Dr. John Newton is the Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis at the American Farm Bureau Federation, leading the organization’s government relations, advocacy, and economics teams. He previously served as the Republican Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry and led Terrain, a research group supporting Farm Credit Associations.
With more than two decades of experience—including roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Illinois—Dr. Newton is a recognized expert in food and agriculture policy. A Kentucky native, he holds two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, which honored him with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021.