USDA Ag Outlook Enters a New Era as Chief Economist Seth Meyers Retires
The name Seth Meyers may not be familiar to most farmers and ranchers, but within the world of farm broadcasting and agricultural markets, his influence has been significant. Meyers is retiring after serving as USDA’s Chief Economist since 2021, marking the end of a key chapter for the department’s Ag Outlook and major market-moving reports.
For years, Meyers was the steady presence behind USDA’s most closely watched data releases. Whether it was a crop production report, cattle on feed report, or another major USDA release, Seth Meyers was the one who officially signed off. His role ensured consistency, credibility, and economic context for information that farmers, ranchers, analysts, and traders rely on to make daily business decisions.
Now, that familiar sign-off is coming to an end. As Meyers steps away from the position, USDA’s Ag Outlook enters a transition period—one that coincides with renewed scrutiny of upcoming data releases following recent government disruptions.
Attention is already turning to next Monday’s crop report, which will be one of the first issued without Meyers’ oversight as chief economist. According to Bottom Line analysts, USDA may revisit final 2025 corn and soybean yields, particularly now that the department has had time to fully catch up after the government shutdown.
Market expectations, however, remain relatively measured. Most analysts indicate they are comfortable with the current soybean yield estimates, suggesting little reason for major adjustments. Corn, on the other hand, could see minor changes, reflecting lingering questions about final harvested acreage and yield variability across key production regions.
Even small revisions can influence grain markets, especially when they arrive at a time of heightened sensitivity around supply, demand, and price direction. As a result, traders and producers alike will be watching closely to see whether USDA makes any adjustments—and how those changes are framed without Meyers’ familiar economic voice.
While his name may not resonate widely outside agricultural circles, Seth Meyers’ impact on rural America has been substantial. His tenure provided continuity during a period marked by volatile markets, global disruptions, and shifting farm economics. As USDA moves forward under new leadership in the chief economist role, the industry will be paying close attention to how Ag Outlook reporting evolves.
For now, all eyes remain on the upcoming crop report and what it may reveal about the final numbers for the 2025 growing season.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.