John Newton, Ph.D., is the new executive head of Terrain, a team of industry-leading ag economists and analysts. As the leader, Newton will guide the team’s endeavors to provide analysis and information important for the business decisions of U.S. agricultural producers.

Terrain serves the customers of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credi with analysis of a large number of agricultural sectors – from cattle and corn to wine, dairy and tree nuts – as well as the macroeconomy and its impact on rural America.

“Our customers are navigating a complex business landscape,” said Tim Koch, executive vice president of business development for Farm Credit Services of America, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Frontier Farm Credit. “Combining data analysis with Farm Credit’s deep knowledge of agriculture, Terrain is bold in its outlooks on trends, economic activity, supply and demand, and other market-moving factors. John’s extensive experience enhances the already exceptional talent at Terrain, by bringing a deep understanding of how governmental policy and risk management programs impact the bottom line of America’s farming and ranching families.”

In his career, Dr. Newton has spent more than two decades using data to answer questions and find solutions to agriculture’s challenges.

A Ph.D. economist, Dr. Newton is known for his rigorous, data-driven analysis that is easily consumable for the agricultural industry. He was most recently the Republican chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. He previously served as the chief economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation and at the National Milk Producers Federation, as an economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as an award-winning faculty member at the University of Illinois.

In 2021, the Ohio State University recognized Dr. Newton with its Distinguished Alumni award.

“John brings immense energy and thought leadership in the ag econ space, and by extension to our customer-owners,” said Gary Van Schuyver, chief banking officer of American Ag Credit. “In the nearly two years that Terrain has been operating, our customers have been quick to recognize the value of the team’s insights. Adding a leader of John’s caliber is a testament to what Terrain has already achieved and its potential growth in the future. He’s a proven leader who brings a clear vision for the exciting, next era of Terrain.”

Dr. Newton’s tenure begins a leadership transition from Terrain’s current head, Don Close. Assembling a team of respected ag economists and analysts, Don oversaw the establishment of Terrain, which launched in November 2022. Don will continue with Terrain and focus on what he loves the most: working as a cattle and beef analyst and providing thought leadership to the U.S. beef industry.