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Jim Wiesemeyer

Jim Wiesemeyer was a Pro Farmer contributor as the Washington Bureau Chief. His columns provided expertise and insight on farm policy, trade policy and Washington politics.

Latest Stories
USDA climate program efforts were raised by Sen. Grassley, who noted concern over USDA’s move to tap more than $3 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to fund its Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC).
Ag Policy
Crop Insurance, Production Costs, ERP Among Key Topics at Senate Ag Farm Bill Hearing
A Senate Ag Committee hearing Thursday on the new farm bill raised a issue that is now evident: the Title 1 farm bill safety net can no longer deal with the current ag environment.
February 10, 2023 03:00 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Renewable diesel consumption in the U.S. hit 28 million barrels in 2021, according to the Energy Information Administration. California burned up 99% to that consumption rate.
Ag Policy
Diesel Prices Up 78¢ from January 2022
The price surge comes as Europe announced a ban on Russian diesel fuel and G7 countries vowed to price-cap Russian oil products.
February 07, 2023 08:14 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Money
Ag Policy
Stepped-Up Basis Leaning in Favor of Rural America on House Ways and Means Panel
With Republicans now in control of the House, Rep. RandyFeenstra (R-Iowa) said he wants to introduce legislation shielding the stepped-up basis and like-kind exchanges.
February 02, 2023 05:21 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Faber said USDA told them the changes occurred because of a software update to its reporting system in 2019, during the Trump administration.
Ag Policy
USDA Withholds the Names of Farm Subsidy Payment Recipients
“It’s a mystery as to why the USDA began to hide the names of many recipients,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group.
February 01, 2023 03:21 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FDA
Ag Policy
FDA Looks to Consolidate its Food Policy and Regulation Divisions
The revamped foods program would absorb the functions of Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Office of Food Policy and Response, as well as some of the work of the Office of Regulatory Affairs.
February 01, 2023 11:28 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Vilsack
Ag Policy
Vilsack Focuses on Farm Bill Possibilities with National Sustainable Ag Coalition
Vilsack said USDA believes there are more options for farmers other than “get big or get out. There’s got to be a system in which the many and most have a fair shot.”
January 31, 2023 02:27 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Norman and Roy were among those initially opposing McCarthy’s speaker bid, and Massie in the past has been a real pain for GOP leadership plans. 
Ag Policy
Speaker McCarthy Selects Unruly House Rules Panel
For example, Rep. Ralph Norman in the past unsuccessfully pushed crop insurance amendments that would have cut premium incentives/subsidies by 15% for producers with specified adjusted gross incomes.
January 24, 2023 02:17 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Under the proposed scheme, the Treasury would mint a $1 trillion coin and deposit it at the Fed, and then draw the money to pay the country’s bills.
Ag Policy
Debt Limit Debate: $1 Trillion Coin Not Off the Table
Some legislative officials have discussed the possibility that the Treasury could use an obscure law authorizing platinum coins to circumvent Congress if lawmakers don’t raise the debt ceiling.
January 23, 2023 02:26 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
“We’re not going to negotiate on this,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre reiterated to reporters Tuesday, insisting that the debt limit will be raised “without conditions.”
Ag Policy
Bank of America Says a U.S. Debt Default is “Likely”
Speaker McCarthy agreed that the House wouldn’t lift the debt ceiling unless Congress slashes federal spending next fiscal year. Because of this, Bank of America is telling clients to expect a debt default this fall.
January 18, 2023 01:30 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Meanwhile, service prices and the core index (which excludes food and energy) remain high, with the core CPI descending to 4.8%.
Ag Policy
USDA is Making Additional CFAP 2 Payments
The additional payments will be equal to 15% of the producer’s previous CFAP 2 payments.
January 13, 2023 12:11 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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