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
Water- Corn field - Scenic - Pomme de Terre River - Morris Minnesota-By Lindsey Pound
Politics
4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers
Michael Regan, EPA administrator, appeared before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday to discuss everything from WOTUS to the farm bill. Here are the highlights that will directly impact producers.
April 20, 2023 01:36 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
The EPA’s new definition of Waters of the U.S. takes effect Monday. Here's a rundown of what is considered WOTUS and subject to federal regulation.
Politics
What Bodies of Water are Considered WOTUS?
The EPA’s new definition of Waters of the U.S. takes effect Monday. Here’s a rundown of what is considered WOTUS and, therefore, subject to federal regulation.
April 12, 2023 04:39 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Grain elevator- Soybean Field - Illinois - Lindsey Pound
Politics
Drought, Biodiesel Impacting Soybean Oil Prices and Exports
Some 44% of U.S. soybean oil will go to biofuels during the current marketing year, said the monthly WASDE report. Two years ago, the biofuel share of soyoil consumption was 37%.
April 12, 2023 04:15 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
American red shipping cargo container on a white background.
Politics
USTR’s Trade Strategy: Stronger Ties with Like-Minded Countries
Non-tariff barriers “are real and can be more significant hurdles than tariffs,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says.
April 06, 2023 02:23 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
While Tai has faced strong criticism about a lack of new trade agreements being pursued, she claimed this week that the U.S. is “nearing a consensus on the need to do things differently.”
Politics
USTR Tai Continues to Push Trade Policy Focused on Non-Tariff Barriers
While Tai has faced strong criticism about a lack of new trade agreements being pursued, she claimed this week that the U.S. is “nearing a consensus on the need to do things differently.”
April 05, 2023 01:27 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Photo Credit: Farm Journal
Politics
U.S. Could Capture Up to 100% of Japan’s Ethanol Market
Exports of U.S. ethanol could increase by over 80 million gallons annually, representing an additional $150-200 million in exports each year.
April 03, 2023 11:34 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Soybean field - corn field - Iowa - land - Lindsey Pound
Politics
Margin Protection Crop Insurance for 2024 Corn and Soybeans has been Expanded by USDA
The expansion would add 1,255 counties for soybeans and 1,729 counties for corn, making the coverage available in 22 states for soybeans with 34 states being covered in total.
March 31, 2023 03:22 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
SAF production and use in the U.S. has increased in recent years; this fuel is now used by airlines at two major commercial airports in California.
Politics
Do Any Airlines Use Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
While U.S. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production reached 15.8 million gallons in 2022, it falls well below the previous goal for U.S. airlines to use 1 billion gallons per year by 2018.
March 28, 2023 03:44 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: The Arkas Line's Conti Basel container ship is docked in the Black sea port of Odessa, Ukraine, November 4, 2016. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
Politics
Cargo Ships Leave West Coast Ports As Labor Talks Show ‘Little to No’ Progress
Rail strikes ran headlines in late 2022 and came to an end in December when Congress passed an agreement. But there may be another strike looming in the transportation sector unless the Biden administration changes pace.
March 27, 2023 12:25 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill
Politics
Is There Anything New from the Latest Farm Bill Debate?
We need to know the final funding level in the debt limit debate before there are can be any attempt to mix and match farm bill titles and funds.
March 24, 2023 10:13 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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