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
Farm-Recession.jpg
Industry
How Do You Know When Agriculture Is In A Recession?
Agriculture can sometimes act as a buffer during broader economic recessions, as demand for essential food items tends to remain relatively stable. However, when multiple indicators align in the industry, it can signal a recession.
September 04, 2024 05:03 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
poster.jpg
Ag Policy
In First Forecast for FY 2025, USDA Projects A Bulging Ag Trade Deficit to Top $42 Billion
Agricultural imports are expected to reach a record $212 billion, up $8 billion from FY 2024. This increase is largely due to rising imports of horticultural products, sugar and tropical products.
August 29, 2024 09:37 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm workers plant Novavine drought-resistant grapevines in Woodland
Ag Policy
Judge Blocks Rule Allowing H-2A Workers to Unionize in 17 States
The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, who found the rule unconstitutional because it conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by granting collective bargaining rights to farmworkers.
August 27, 2024 09:13 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
grocery-store-steaks
Ag Policy
Meat Industry Urges Administration to Stop Using Meat As a Scapegoat And Distraction For Root Cause of Inflation
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to propose several economic measures aimed at addressing key voter concerns such as housing and grocery costs with a federal ban on price gouging.
August 16, 2024 03:09 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
Republican National Convention in Milwaukee
Ag Policy
Trump Picks JD Vance as Running Mate, Here’s Where He Stands on Policy Issues and Agriculture
This decision marks a significant transformation in Vance’s political career, as he has evolved from being a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 election to becoming a staunch ally and supporter of the former president.
July 16, 2024 09:14 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill Capitol Hill Washington DC Government Legislation - Lindsey Pound
Ag Policy
Ag Secretary Vilsack Has A Clear Message For Farm-State Lawmakers On Passing A New Farm Bill: ‘Get Realistic’
From differences within Title I of the new farm bill to possible ways both the Senate and House Ag Committee are working to find more funds, U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke one-on-one with AgriTalk this week.
June 21, 2024 05:21 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill Capitol Hill Washington DC Government Legislation - Lindsey Pound
Ag Policy
What You Need to Know About the Key Differences Between the House and Senate Versions of the Farm Bill
The House Ag Committee on Thursday will mark up the House farm bill. House Ag Chair GT Thompson told AgriTalk the panel will have the votes to clear the panel, but he has yet to receive any firm Democratic support.
May 21, 2024 05:22 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
CornHeat.jpeg
Industry
The New GREET Model is Finally Here: An In-Depth Look at What it Means for Farmers
EPA’s new model is designed to address previously identified shortfalls in the R&D GREET model and how it calculated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. The new approach accounts for all emissions from farm to fuel.
May 03, 2024 10:01 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
US President Joe Biden departs after delivering his third State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 07 March 2024.
Ag Policy
11 Key Takeaways From Biden’s State Of The Union Address
President Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his SOTU speech Thursday. From the economy to his thoughts on infrastructure, the border and climate, there were several key takeaways for agriculture.
March 08, 2024 01:58 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
Drought cows
Ag Policy
USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses
Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.
December 07, 2023 09:19 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
Load More