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
containers_exports_trade
Ag Policy
U.S. Agriculture Faces Growing Trade Deficit, USDA Projects a Record Ag Trade Deficit in 2024
USDA forecasts agricultural exports at $173.5 billion and imports at a record $204 billion for a projected record trade deficit of $30.5 billion.
October 09, 2024 09:17 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
NY: Consumers, stock market, everyone contends with inflation
Ag Policy
USDA Aims to Boost Fair Competition and Lower Food Prices, Targeting Seed and Meat Industries
These actions are part of the Biden/Harris administration’s efforts to open new markets for farmers, provide more competitive choices, lower food costs for consumers and support small businesses and family farms
October 08, 2024 10:08 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Members of the International Longshoremen's Association union stand outside Columbia Container Services on strike in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Industry
East and Gulf Coast Dockworkers Now on Strike Over Wage Demands, Halting Key U.S. Cargo Shipments
Union head vows to stay on strike ‘as long as necessary’ as the first strike since 1977 halts the flow of goods, ranging from bananas to beef, pork and poultry to industrial materials, leading to potential shortages and price hikes.
October 01, 2024 07:53 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Georgia Ports Authority
Industry
Port Employers Exchange New Contract Offers with Longshore Union in Bid to Avert Strike
The group of terminal operators and ocean container lines said their new offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to union retirement plans, strengthen health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation.
September 30, 2024 08:31 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Agriculture groups urge White House to avert East Coast port strike
Industry
Top Biden Admin. Officials Urge ‘Good Faith’ Negotiations as Port Strikes Set to Start Oct. 1
Biden administration officials are meeting with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to urge good faith negotiations in the ongoing labor dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).

September 27, 2024 02:27 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Trump holds a campaign rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania
Ag Policy
Trump Threatens 200% Tariff If Deere Moves Manufacturing to Mexico
In response to John Deere’s recent announcement about moving some of its production to Mexico, Trump expressed concern about the impact on American workers, stating, “It’s hurting our country. It’s hurting our workers.”
September 23, 2024 08:39 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Docked cargo ships are loaded with shipping containers in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey
Industry
As a Potential Strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast Ports Looms, Here’s What You Need to Know
The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance is set to expire on Sept. 30. Negotiations between the two parties have stalled, raising concerns about a possible strike starting Oct. 1.
September 17, 2024 04:15 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Chinese Flag, China
Ag Policy
China’s Economic Slowdown is Leading to a Major Impact on Global Ag Markets
The effects are already visible, with declining French barley exports to China and the U.S. struggling to sell corn for the new season.
September 16, 2024 01:29 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Harris-Trump presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ag Policy
Where Do Harris and Trump Stand On Ag Policy Issues?
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released the unedited responses from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to its questionnaire on federal agricultural policy.
September 13, 2024 02:19 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
China map
Industry
China’s Exports Surge Amid Weak Domestic Economy, Raising Global Concerns
China’s soybean imports reached a record high in August 2024, reflecting significant growth in the country’s demand for the oilseed, but meat imports declined.
September 11, 2024 02:43 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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