Seth Meyer Leads Future Work at Mizzou FAPRI

Seth Meyer joins the University of Missouri to guide the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, known as FAPRI. He steps into this important role on January 1, 2026. Pat Westhoff, who has led the institute since 2011, retires in March 2026. Meyer brings wide experience at the national and global levels, making him well prepared for this position.
 

Meyer serves as the chief economist at the United States Department of Agriculture. He also works earlier with the World Agricultural Outlook Board and helps publish the well-known World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. He earns his PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri, which makes this return special for him.
 

FAPRI is a respected program within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. For more than forty years, FAPRI provides trusted research for the U.S. Congress, USDA, commodity groups, and international partners. Its reports help explain how policy or market changes affect prices, supplies, consumer costs, and farm income.
 

Meyer built a strong reputation in agriculture and biofuel policy research during his earlier work at FAPRI. He also manages many administrative duties. Speaking about his return, he says, “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.” 
 

In his current USDA role, Meyer hosts the Agricultural Outlook Forum and oversees key offices. He offers expert testimony at congressional hearings and leads the board of directors of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
 

Leaders at Mizzou welcome Meyer with confidence. They say his experience brings strong credibility and guidance for FAPRI’s mission. As director, he will support research, teaching, extension, outreach, and service.
 

FAPRI’s team provides 10-year economic projections and responds to policy questions from Congress. Their work also reaches countries such as Ireland, the UK, Africa, and Bulgaria.
 

Meyer says he looks forward to teaching agriculture policy, working with Missouri producers, and continuing FAPRI’s tradition of reliable and objective research.

Photo by: cafnr.missouri.edu