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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 Credit® 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,” 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.”
In his career, John has spent more than two decades using data to answer questions and find solutions to agriculture’s challenges.
A Ph.D. economist, John 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 John with its Distinguished Alumni award.
“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.”
John’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.
Visit terrainag.com for Terrain’s current perspective on consumer demand of beef, the compounding effects of lower visitor traffic at West Coast wineries, and the unintended consequences to avoid with changes to the federal milk marketing order.
About Terrain
Terrain provides its analysis of economic factors, trends and agricultural markets to the customers of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. To look at the information that Terrain has to offer, go to terrainag.com.
About AgCountry Farm Credit Services
Headquartered in Fargo, N.D., AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry) has assets in excess of $14 billion and over 700 employees. AgCountry is a member-owned, locally-governed lending institution that provides credit and financial services to more than 25,000 farmers and ranchers in portions of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Providing agribusiness loans and leases nationwide, AgCountry is a part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of cooperative financial services institutions that serve agriculture and rural America. For more information: AgCountry.com.
About American AgCredit
American AgCredit was chartered in 1916 as part of the nationwide Farm Credit System and is the nation’s fourth-largest Farm Credit association. American AgCredit specializes in providing financial services to agricultural and rural customers in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma, and serves capital market customers throughout the United States. Learn more at agloan.com.
About Farm Credit Services of America
Farm Credit Services of America is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the unique needs of young and beginning producers. With nearly $44.3 billion in assets and $7.9 billion in members’ equity, FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at fcsamerica.com.
About Frontier Farm Credit
Frontier Farm Credit operates in alliance with Farm Credit Services of America to provide credit and insurance services to agriculture and rural communities in eastern Kansas. The association has nearly $2.6 billion in assets and $547 million in members’ equity. Learn more at frontierfarmcredit.com.
