Oklahoma State University (OSU) has filled a key role in its agricultural economics division with the hiring of Dr. Todd Hubbs, who steps into the role of Small Grains Specialist, succeeding the influential Dr. Kim Anderson.
In an interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd at the Rural Economic Outlook Conference, Dr. Hubbs discussed his background, his new duties, and the current challenges facing the grain markets.
From USDA to OSU: A Career in Crop Outlook
Dr. Hubbs brings extensive experience in agricultural market analysis to his new position. Before coming to OSU, he served as the senior outlook economist for the Economic Research Service (ERS) at the USDA, where he worked on the crucial WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) committees, focusing on wheat, feed grains, and oil seeds. Prior to his federal role, he was the crop outlook specialist at the University of Illinois.
Stepping into the role previously held by Dr. Anderson, Hubbs confirmed that he will be primarily focused on extension and outreach on crop markets, performing the detailed wheat market analysis that Oklahoma producers rely on.
“I do a lot of grain and oil seed crops, wheat market analysis, so that’s what I’ll be doing. I should be showing up on SunUp at some point soon,” Dr. Hubbs told Sheperd.
Navigating Market Uncertainty
Dr. Hubbs acknowledged the high-stakes environment in which he begins his work, noting that his first week at OSU coincided with a significant challenge: a federal government shutdown.
“It’s rough not getting all that government data when you’re trying to do market analysis,” he said, emphasizing the loss of information needed for accurate forecasting.
Despite the disruption, some trade reports (Federal Grain Inspection Service) and AMS data are still being released. Hubbs noted that he has already heard about the wide variety of crops in Oklahoma, including wheat, cotton, sorghum, corn, and soybeans, promising KC Sheperd that he will “literally have something to talk about” as the agricultural landscape changes with the seasons.
When asked about the crucial trade negotiations currently underway, Hubbs was straightforward: “I have no idea how they’re going to turn out. I wish I did.”
Looking forward, Dr. Hubbs expressed enthusiasm for the core of his new role. “I love doing crop outlook, so this is a great opportunity. I’m grateful for it. It’s what I love doing.” He looks forward to working with the established talent at OSU, including the wheat breeding program, stating simply, “I’ll talk to anybody about anything crop related.”
