Veteran ag economist John Newton, Ph.D., joins Terrain as its new leader.
Newton succeeds Terrain founder, Don Close, who will continue with the organization as a cattle and beef analyst.
“John brings immense energy and thought leadership in the ag econ space, and by extension to our customer-owners.” says Gary Van Schuyver, Chief Banking Officer, 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.”
Newton has a two decade plus career including the Republican Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, Chief Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation and at the National Milk Producers Federation, an economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and as an award-winning faculty member at the University of Illinois.
Newton is known for his rigorous, data-driven analysis that is easily consumable for the agricultural industry.
Terrain provides market insight for customers of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. Its analysis spans 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,” explains Tim Koch, Executive Vice President – 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.”
