Economist Terry Barr To Retire From CoBank

DENVER (May 29, 2019) — CoBank announced today that senior economist Terry Barr will retire in June after 10 years with the bank and almost five decades studying and interpreting trends in U.S. agriculture.

Barr joined the bank’s Knowledge Exchange Division in May 2009. Previously, he spent 25 years with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, where he was the organization’s chief economist. Before that, Barr spent 14 years in a variety of positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including director of economic analysis and chairman of the World Agricultural Outlook Board. Barr holds a doctorate in economics from Washington State University.

“Terry is one of the nation’s leading authorities on the American farm economy,” said Dan Kowalski, vice president and head of research for CoBank. “The insight, analysis and perspective he has provided over the course of his career have promoted a better understanding of agriculture for policymakers, businesses and individuals alike. We are grateful to Terry for his contributions and wish him all the best in retirement.”

About CoBank

CoBank is a $138 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides commercial loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.