Veteran agricultural economist John Newton is making a high-stakes return to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), stepping into a powerful dual role at a time when U.S. agriculture faces growing economic and policy pressures. As the new Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis and Chief Economist, Newton will steer the federation's government relations and economic strategy, two critical levers as the next farm bill and global demand headwinds loom.

Newton had previously served as AFBF's chief economist before departing in 2021 to join the Senate Agriculture Committee's Republican staff. There, he deepened his role in national policy-making, gaining firsthand experience on Capitol Hill. In 2024, he took the helm of Terrain, a research-focused unit within the Farm Credit System, where he led groundbreaking analysis on long-term demographic shifts and their potential to reshape agricultural markets. One of the key findings from that work was that declining birth rates and a shrinking global population could significantly dampen international demand for U.S. agricultural exports - particularly soybeans and sorghum.

Now, Newton returns to AFBF at a critical juncture for U.S. agriculture, assuming the responsibilities of two outgoing leaders: Sam Kieffer, who stepped down as Vice President of Public Policy to become CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, and Roger Cryan, who had replaced Newton as chief economist in 2021 and exited AFBF in May. Newton's reappointment brings continuity and experience to a pair of roles central to how the federation navigates policy debates, economic volatility, and long-term industry trends.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall welcomed the news, stating Newton "was a fantastic chief economist for us and has demonstrated his impressive leadership skills in several roles since and throughout his 20 years in agriculture. He's passionate about serving farmers and ranchers, and I know he'll put that passion to work in this new role."

In Newton's own words, "This is such a critical time for U.S. agriculture, and I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work alongside my colleagues to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers nationwide and help people understand the connection between public policy and the farm economy."

Holding two master's degrees and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, where he earned the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021, Newton has also served on the faculty at the University of Illinois, adding academic depth to his real-world policy and economic experience.

As U.S. producers face mounting challenges - from input cost volatility and supply chain disruptions to evolving trade dynamics and climate uncertainty - Newton's return gives AFBF a strategic edge. His presence is expected to enhance the organization's influence in shaping the upcoming 2025 Farm Bill, while also reinforcing the critical link between economic modeling and policy advocacy.

With a foot in both Washington and rural America, and a clear understanding of the macroeconomic forces shaping the ag sector, John Newton's comeback marks a turning point in how the American Farm Bureau Federation positions itself in today's farm economy - and in the political debates that will define its future.