Jim Wiesemeyer

Jim Wiesemeyer is well known to Pro Farmer Members for his long tenure as Washington Bureau Chief for Pro Farmer. Now with agricultural consulting firm Informa Economics, formerly Sparks Companies, Inc., he is still offering his expertise and insight on farm policy, trade policy and Washington politics as a consultant to Pro Farmer. His Inside Washington Today column on AgWeb.com is a must-read item to keep up with the latest in Washington developments.

Latest Stories
While USMCA won't create many changes in agriculture, economists say it's what happens if USMCA isn't passed that could be detrimental to agriculture?
Ag Policy
Canada, Mexico Hit Back with Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports
Following President Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Canada announced its own 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports. Mexico also announced its own retaliatory measures, but no specifics were unveiled as of Sunday morning.
February 02, 2025 07:56 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Robert F. Kennedy Hearing Jan 29
Ag Policy
RFK Jr. and Zeldin Comment on How They Would Implement Trump Policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to work with farmers to remove burdensome regulation during his confirmation hearing. And while Lee Zeldin’s past positions raised initial concerns, his recent statements during the confirmation process suggest he may be open to working with the biofuels industry in his new role as EPA Administrator.
January 30, 2025 04:46 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington
Ag Policy
White House Abruptly Rescinds Federal Funding Freeze
Just hours before it was set to take effect, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued the order, delaying implementation until at least Feb. 3, 2025. The potential impact of a funding freeze on disaster relief is one area that remains uncertain.
January 29, 2025 02:41 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Brooke Rollins Confirmation Hearing
Ag Policy
Key Takeaways from Brooke Rollins’ Confirmation Hearing for Agriculture Secretary
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.
January 23, 2025 11:19 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
Ag Policy
From Executive Orders to Talk of 25% Tariffs Starting Feb. 1, Here’s A Recap of Trump’s First Day in Office
President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on stage at a rally in Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena on Monday, immediately following inauguration. It marked a dramatic and public start to his administration.
January 21, 2025 10:27 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
Ag Policy
Trump 2.0: From Early Executive Orders to Delaying Tariffs Against China, Here’s What to Expect as Trump Takes Office
As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president, he’s not expected to impose China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, signaling a strategic shift toward engagement with Beijing rather than reigniting a trade war.
January 20, 2025 08:49 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Senate Committee on Finance confirmation hearing on Scott Bessent's nomination to be secretary of treasury, on Capitol Hill in Washington
Ag Policy
Treasury Nominee Bessent Defends Trump Policies in Testimony; Promises to Press China to Resume Ag Purchases in Phase 1 Agreement
Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent outlined a three-pronged approach to tariffs during his Senate testimony this week, including targeted tariffs, general tariffs as revenue generators and tariffs as a negotiation tool.
January 17, 2025 11:37 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Corn field - Lindsey Pound
Hog Production
USDA’s Interim Rule for Climate-Smart Crops Used As Biofuel Feedstocks Viewed Favorable for Farmers
According to the new interim rule, farmers can choose one or more of the CSA actions — no-till or reduced-till, cover crops, and nutrient management. Unlike prior rules, farmers no longer have to use all three on the same field at the same time.
January 15, 2025 12:24 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling.jpg
Ag Policy
FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling to Help Consumers Make Healthier Food Choices
This “Nutrition Info box,” a black-and-white design, will display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, categorized as “Low,” “Med,” or “High,” along with the percent Daily Value for each nutrient.
January 14, 2025 12:17 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Panama Canal raises maximum water depth for ships transiting Neopanamax locks, on the outskirts of Panama City
Ag Policy
Why Trump Continues to Talk About Taking Control of Greenland, Panama Canal
Trump has long expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish territory, describing it as “absolutely necessary” for U.S. security. He also raised concerns over the Panama Canal, claiming its current operation by Chinese interests undermines American control of a critical trade route.
January 08, 2025 12:10 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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