US farm agency names Benavidez as chief economist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday named Justin Benavidez, a former staffer on the House Agriculture Committee, as its new chief economist. 

The USDA's chief economist leads the agency's economic research and analysis and advises the secretary on the farm economy. 

Benavidez replaces Seth Meyer, who served in the role since 2021 and will now lead the University of Missouri's Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute. 

Benavidez most recently worked as chief economist for the Republican majority staff on the House committee, the USDA said in a press release. He previously was an assistant professor and agricultural economist at Texas A&M University. 

"Justin brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a statement. 

About 22% of staff at the USDA's Office of the Chief Economist left last year, according to the agency's Office of Inspector General. 

They were among 20,000 USDA employees who left the agency as of last June amid the Trump administration's effort to shrink the size and scope of the federal government.