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
The Canadian flag flies at half staff on the Peace Tower at the Parliament Buildings, after Queen Elizabeth's passing, in Ottawa
Ag Policy
Canada Gears Up for Potential Trade Tensions with Trump
Canada is preparing for potential trade challenges following Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The Canadian government is considering a proactive approach, including the possible early release of a retaliatory tariff list.
January 07, 2025 11:41 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. representatives gather to vote for their new Speaker of the House on the first day of the new Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington
Ag Policy
GOP to Propose ‘Biggest Bill in American History'; Includes Tax Cuts, Deregulation and Border Security
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.
January 06, 2025 12:47 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm-Bill-Agenda.jpg
Ag Policy
Senate Agenda to Start 2025 Includes New Farm Bill
The Senate kicked off quietly as the House steals the spotlight to start 2025. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to pass individual appropriations bills and a farm bill as well as focus on regular order and extended floor debates.
January 03, 2025 02:45 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
China-Predictions.jpg
Ag Policy
China 2025: 5 Predictions to Watch in the New Year
From a possible trade war to brewing discontent within the country, there are five significant trends poised to shape China in the coming year.
January 02, 2025 10:36 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Aerial farmland farm land at harvest fall corn soybeans - By Lindsey Pound
Ag Policy
Heads Up: Corporate Transparency Act Still in Limbo
Will corporations, LLCs, and LPs be required to report Beneficial Ownership Information soon? Here’s the latest developments.
December 27, 2024 01:49 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Screenshot 2024-12-22 at 5.55.32 PM.png
Ag Policy
Trump Continues to Build USDA Team, Names Stephen Vaden as Deputy Secretary
As the Trump administration prepares to return to the White House, these appointments signal a continuation of its previous agricultural policies and priorities, with experienced individuals who have both legal expertise and connections to the farming community.
December 22, 2024 06:04 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) holds a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington
Industry
Ag Sector Could Score Big in Stopgap Spending
The House of Representatives released its Continuing Resolution text, which includes a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, $10 billion in farmer economic aid, $21 billion in ag disaster funding for 2023 and 2024 and year-round E15 sales.
December 17, 2024 01:53 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Congress
Ag Policy
A Farm Bill Extension Without Economic Aid for Farmers Sparks Intense Negotiations and Debate in Congress
Agricultural groups said over the weekend they do not support year-end spending package sans economic aid for ag producers.
December 16, 2024 08:47 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
grain
Chances of a Strike at East Coast and West Coast Ports are Growing; Here’s How it Could Impact Farmers
While bulk grain exports would be largely unaffected, the strike would impact containerized agricultural exports: Soybeans, soybean meal, and other agricultural products exported via containers would be affected.
December 12, 2024 10:21 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York
Ag Policy
Trump Taps Texas Native Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture
In an announcement on Saturday, Trump said her “commitment to support the American farmer, the defense of American food self-sufficiency and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”
November 22, 2024 04:10 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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