Scott Irwin
Scott Irwin is one of the world’s leading authorities on agricultural commodity markets and holds the Laurence J. Norton Chair of Agricultural Marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is the visionary behind several groundbreaking agricultural extension programs, including the widely acclaimed farmdoc project, often referred to as the “Wall Street Journal of ag business.” Irwin is best known for his influential work on commodity market speculation and biofuel policy, frequently contributing to global policy discussions and testifying before top-tier institutions. His research on commodity price behavior has shaped both academic scholarship and public policy for over three decades. Prior to joining the University of Illinois, he served as the Francis B. McCormick Professor of Agricultural Marketing and Policy at The Ohio State University.
Scott Irwin Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Laurence J. Norton Chair of Agricultural Marketing
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Francis B. McCormick Professor of Agricultural Marketing and Policy
Academic History
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Ph.D., Agricultural Economics
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M.S., Agricultural Economics
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B.S., Agricultural Economics
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Laurence J. Norton Chair of Agricultural Marketing, University of Illinois
Fellow, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
Agricultural Markets Advisory Council, CME Group
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
Scott Irwin is a globally recognized agricultural economist and innovator whose work has transformed modern agricultural research and extension programs, helping hundreds of thousands of farmers improve their decision-making and risk management.
A pioneer in commodity market analysis, his research is widely cited by academics and is highly valued by farmers, policymakers, traders, and market analysts across the agricultural sector.
Irwin’s groundbreaking research explores the impact of public information on agricultural markets, the performance of market advisory services, and the role of speculation in commodity trading.
His influential findings have shaped both academic understanding and public policy, earning him invitations to testify before prestigious institutions including the U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
RECOGNITIONS
2018 Bruce Gardner Memorial Prize for Applied Policy Analysis
2018 AAEA Quality of Research Discovery Award
2018 AAPEX Distinguished Alumni Award
2015 Spitze Land-Grant Professorial Career Excellence Award
2008 Donald A. Holt Achievement Award
MEDIA PRESENCE & PUBLICATIONS
As a leading authority in agricultural economics and commodity markets, Irwin is frequently featured in major global media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Bloomberg, National Public Radio, Farm Journal, and Successful Farming.
He is also a prolific researcher and public commentator, regularly writing and speaking on key topics such as ethanol and biodiesel economics, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market.
Over his career, Irwin has authored more than 200 scholarly publications, with articles appearing in leading academic journals including the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and the Review of Agricultural Economics.