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Seth Meyer Leaving USDA to Lead University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute

Seth Meyer, USDA chief economist since 2021, will leave the department to become director of the University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute starting January 1. Meyer led the team that produces the monthly WASDE report, a key source for global crop supply and demand data that can influence prices. His departure follows significant research staff losses at USDA amid federal downsizing efforts and a recent, record-long government shutdown that paused several agency reports.

12:03 PM, 11/26/2025Economy
Seth Meyer Leaving USDA to Lead University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute

Seth Meyer, who has served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief economist since 2021, will depart the agency to become director of the University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). The university said Meyer is expected to begin the role on January 1.

At USDA, Meyer led the office that produces the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, a closely watched dataset that can influence global crop markets and price expectations. The WASDE report is regarded as one of the most authoritative sources of supply and demand information for agricultural commodities worldwide.

His move comes after a period in which the USDA experienced the loss of thousands of research staff amid efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal government. The department also temporarily suspended release of several key reports — including weekly U.S. grain export sales data — during a record-long government shutdown that concluded this month.

In a statement released by the university, Meyer said the FAPRI post is an opportunity to support the farm sector through policy analysis and to return to his home state of Missouri. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins praised Meyer's service:

"Secretary Rollins is deeply grateful for Seth Meyer's many years of dedicated service at USDA," the department said in a statement.

Meyer's move to FAPRI places an experienced federal economist at the head of a major academic research institute that advises policymakers, industry and producers on agricultural policy, trade and market outlooks.

Reported by Tom Polansek and Ashitha Shivaprasad.

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