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Meyer will return to FAPRI in the New Year

USDA’s chief economist has been named the new director of the University of Missouri’s Food and Ag Policy Research Institute.

“I’m just moving at a different spot in the policy formation chain, one that allows you to to do a little bit more in depth work, a little more detailed analysis,” Seth Meyer tells Brownfield.

Meyer says there are plenty of policies to talk about with farmers and ranchers or lawmakers.

“Biofuels, current market conditions or when it comes to trade and there’s even regulatory provisions that may influence different parts of the market.”

Meyer starts in the new role on January 1 and will be based in mid-Missouri. He says he’ll finish his work at the USDA at the end of December, which includes one more supply and demand report.

“It’s going to be busy for the next several weeks.”

He says it’s unclear how soon the chief economist role will be filled at the USDA.

Meyer is replacing Pat Westhoff as director of FAPRI. Westoff is scheduled to retire March 1, 2026.

“I hope Pat is around to to continue to support us cause he’s done such a great job there. We could certainly use his assistance going forward.”

Meyer has held several roles at the USDA and previously worked as the assistant director of FAPRI until rejoining the USDA in 2021. Read more.