Seth Meyer, United States Department of Agriculture’s chief economist, will join the University of Missouri on Jan. 1, 2026, to lead the internationally recognized Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Pat Westhoff, who has held the position since 2011, is retiring effective March 1, 2026.

Meyer has held various roles with USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist and FAPRI over the years, including the head of the World Agricultural Outlook Board, publisher of the closely watched WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) report, and assistant director of FAPRI until rejoining USDA in 2021 to serve as chief economist. He received his PhD in Agricultural Economics from Mizzou.

FAPRI is a College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Program of Distinction, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. The institute provides objective analysis of agricultural markets and policies for audiences including the U.S. Congress, USDA, commodity groups and international governments. FAPRI reports breakdown how changes in policies or market conditions would affect prices and quantities, producers, consumers and government costs.

During his time at FAPRI, Meyer achieved an international reputation in research of agricultural and biofuel policy analysis and commodity market analysis, in addition to assuming a wide range of administrative responsibilities.

“This is a great opportunity to continue to provide solid agricultural policy development in support of the agricultural sector, cooperate with other faculty members and return home to Missouri,” Meyer said. “I look forward to the opportunity to do more in-depth analysis and research. FAPRI provides the holistic picture; they are deliberate, objective. Both sides of the aisle call on them to make informed decisions.”

In his current position as the lead economic analyst for the Secretary of Agriculture, Meyer hosts the USDA’s largest annual event, the Agricultural Outlook Forum; oversees offices including the World Agricultural Outlook Board and the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis; testifies at congressional hearings of the Agricultural and Ways and Means committees, as well as bipartisan briefings for House and Senate staff on current agricultural market conditions, trade and policy actions; and chairs the board of directors of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.

“Seth’s experience as USDA Chief Economist provides the credibility and leadership needed to ensure that FAPRI remains a trusted source of policy analysis,” said Harvey James, director of the Division of Applied Social Sciences, which houses FAPRI. “His deep knowledge, proven ability to respond under pressure and extensive professional networks make him exceptionally well-suited to guide FAPRI and to support Mizzou’s land-grant mission.”

As director of FAPRI, Meyer will oversee a team of about a dozen faculty and staff members who generate research for non-academic and academic audiences, teach undergraduate and graduate students, support and undertake extension and outreach, and conduct service for the institution. FAPRI’s annual baseline report offers a summary of 10-year projections for economic indicators including farm income, farm program spending and domestic commodity markets; their team also frequently fills requests from Congress to examine particular policy issues. International work has included projects in the UK, Ireland, Africa and Bulgaria, as well as scholar exchanges.

“I look forward to coming back to the collaborative work at FAPRI,” Meyer said. “Pat has done such a fabulous job serving the mission at FAPRI; it is key to maintain the reputation that FAPRI has earned over its 40+ years. I look forward to spending time with constituents within the state, making certain they know the relevance of our work; teaching ag policy classes; and supporting other departments on campus and our in-state commodity groups.”

Meyer is frequently an invited speaker at conferences, seminars and meetings, both nationally and internationally. He has authored or co-authored publications for FAPRI and the USDA, as well as more than 50 research publications, invited journal articles and conference proceedings, and been part of $3.8 million in grants. Meyer has served as a visiting scientist/scholar in the Philippines, Italy and Japan, in addition to working as an economist with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ ESA Global Perspectives Study Unit in Rome. He has received the Abraham Lincoln Award, one of the most prestigious at USDA, presented annually by the Secretary of Agriculture.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Meyer back to Mizzou and FAPRI. He is taking the helm of a vital resource for our country and the agriculture industry, and I can think of no one better suited for the task,” Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR, said. “In addition, I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Westhoff for 15 years not just leading FAPRI but growing its position as a trusted international asset for policy makers and agricultural producers alike.”

Westhoff, who is also the Howard Cowden Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics in DASS, joined Mizzou in 1996, after serving as an economist with the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. He has received the Bruce Gardner Award from the USDA, which recognizes non-USDA individuals who have made significant contributions to the improvement of programs and policies; serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of International Agricultural Trade and Development; and speaks frequently with national and international media. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Roger L. Mitchell Fellow Award from CAFNR, recognizing those who elevate the college through collaboration and innovative thinking.