Brian Earnest, Economist

Brian Earnest, Lead Economist, Animal Protein, CoBank

Brian Earnest is lead economist for animal protein in CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange research division. He provides market and industry research for the poultry, pork and beef sectors through publications, speaking engagements and media interviews.

Mr. Earnest has more than 10 years of industry and consulting experience. Prior to joining CoBank, he was senior commodity analyst, poultry, with IHS Markit’s Food and Agricultural Commodities Economics group. Mr. Earnest provided forecasting and price risk strategies, client service, as well as project consulting in the poultry and egg space. He previously held various procurement and advisory roles with Topco Associates, LLC, a retail food industry cooperative.

Mr. Earnest holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Eastern Illinois University.