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
Tensions are rising in Russia following Saturday's violence when a paramilitary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin seized the city of Rostov.
Politics
Kremlin Drops Criminal Charges Against Prigozhin and Sends Him to Belarus
Mercenary fighters will escape repercussions; deal details awaited; what’s next?
June 26, 2023 09:56 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Under the bill, the USDA and the FDA would become members of CFIUS and their powers would be expanded to better consider ag needs when it decides if a purchase would create national security risks.
Politics
Scrutiny of Land Purchases by Foreigners Proposed in New Bill
Under the bill, the USDA and the FDA would become members of CFIUS and their powers would be expanded to better consider ag needs when it decides if a purchase would create national security risks.
June 21, 2023 04:26 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Gas pump nozzle, Somerville, Massachusetts
Politics
EPA’s RFS Proposals Would Bring Major Changes to the U.S. Biofuel Mandate
EPA’s 479-page RFS ruling can be difficult to sift through and interpret. Jim Wiesemeyer breaks down the heavy-hitting components that will impact producers.
June 21, 2023 01:18 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill Advocacy. Photo courtesy IFPA
Politics
Farm Bill Debate Set to Heat Up at Senate Appropriations Committee Meeting
The committee will meet on Thursday to officially set the toplines for each of the 12 appropriations bills. If all 12 bills aren’t passed by year-end, automatic across-the-board cuts would kick in to push talks along.
June 19, 2023 04:23 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
During a bilateral meeting on Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai discussed with Mexico's Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier various issues concerning energy and biotech corn.
Politics
US Has Seen Consistent Growth in Ag Exports to Mexico Under NAFTA, USMCA
Over the 29 years of free trade, U.S. ag exports to Mexico increased both in terms of volume and value, although there were some years where growth was not positive.
June 16, 2023 02:00 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Most farmers know that if they collect crop insurance, they are allowed in most cases to defer those proceeds for one year. But in many cases, they can't defer all of it.
Politics
Farm Bill Will Not See an Increase in Funds
Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, (D-Mich.) says there will be no new funding for the 2023 farm bill. However, Stabenow stressed she will not allow a cut in conservation funding.
June 07, 2023 03:00 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill
Politics
3 Reasons the Farm Bill is Behind Schedule
The Senate and House Ag committees are facing delays in drafting the next farm bill, and it is expected to be the most expensive farm bill to date, clocking in at around $1.5 trillion.
June 07, 2023 12:00 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Mexico claims because it is self-sufficient in GMO corn for food, its has not violated any trade agreements. Given the firm stances of both countries, it appears this situation will lead to a USMCA dispute settlement.
Politics
Update on Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban
Mexico claims because it is self-sufficient in GMO corn for food, it has not violated any trade agreements. Given the firm stances of both countries, it appears this situation will lead to a USMCA dispute settlement.
May 31, 2023 01:15 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
China's exports to Russia reached a record high in April, amounting to $9.6 billion.
Politics
Ag Trade Between Russia and China Increased to 153% in April
China’s exports to Russia reached a record high in April, amounting to $9.6 billion.
May 30, 2023 10:01 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Dow Inc. and New Energy Blue have announced a long-term supply agreement to produce bio-based ethylene from renewable ag residues, specifically corn stover.
Technology
Corn Residue Will Transform into Renewable Plastic in New Industry Deal
Dow Inc. and New Energy Blue have announced a long-term supply agreement to produce bio-based ethylene from renewable ag residues, specifically corn stover.
May 29, 2023 04:59 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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