AFBF’s John Newton Honored with 2021 Ohio State Alumni Award

Dr. John Newton, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s chief economist, received a Distinguished Alumni Award from The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Newton earned his two master’s degrees and Ph.D. in microeconomics, macroeconomics and agribusiness and applied economics from CFAES.

Newton has been AFBF’s chief economist since 2018. In that role, he manages the organization’s Economics Department, which is responsible for AFBF’s economic policy analysis. Newton also advises Farm Bureau grassroots members, state Farm Bureau staff and AFBF leadership and staff on the economic implications of agricultural policy issues and proposals to help advance the organization’s advocacy efforts.

Among many other things, Newton and his team produce Market Intel, a series of articles providing economic, market and policy insight and analysis for farmer and rancher members nationwide, as well as policymakers on Capitol Hill.

Newton serves on various committees, including the National Business Economic Issues Council, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services Inc. Advisory Committee and USDA’s Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products, as well as USDA’s Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics.

Newton’s nearly 20-year career in agriculture also includes more than 10 years at USDA, service with the Senate Agriculture Committee and USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist and as a two-time award-winning faculty member at the University of Illinois.