Seanicaa Edwards Herron is a respected agricultural economist and market analyst with over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning academia, the private sector, government, and nonprofit leadership. Rooted in a rich agricultural legacy, Seanicaa brings lived experience, cultural heritage, and professional rigor to the field of food and agriculture.
Throughout her career, she has been a trailblazer in every sense—breaking new ground as the first Black woman to serve in several high-level agricultural economist roles (USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board, the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Commercial Agriculture Program, and consulting firm Informa Economics (Memphis). These milestones not only mark personal achievement, but reflect a broader commitment of representation for the next generation of agricultural professionals and underrepresented communities.
Her professional work includes authoring market analyses, livestock and commodity outlook reports covering the U.S. livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors, and extension guides. She has shaped strategic briefings for senior decision-makers and contributed expert insights to both national and international audiences. In addition to her research and economic contributions, she has engaged in academic instruction as a guest lecturer, helping to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders through education and knowledge exchange.
Seanicaa is now the Founder and Executive Director of Freedmen Heirs Foundation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to dismantling structural barriers that impede Black farmers from full participation in the agricultural economy. Under her leadership, the organization’s mission is to empower Black and underserved farmers to build generational wealth by expanding market access, technical assistance, and enhancing financial resilience.
Seanicaa’s academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Mississippi State University. Seanicaa is an Aspen Institute Food Leaders Fellow, an inaugural 2025 James Beard Foundation Impact Awardee, and a 2009 recipient of the Albert R. Hagan Award for excellence in Agricultural Economics. In 2022, she was honored as a member of Mississippi State University’s inaugural Reveille 25 class, recognizing outstanding young alumni.
Seanicaa continues to be a leading voice for agricultural equity, leveraging—ensuring that Black and historically underserved farmers are not only at the table, but shaping the future of food and agriculture. Whether through her leadership at Freedmen Heirs Foundation, her contributions to national conversations, or her mentorship of emerging leaders.
