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
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Politics
Trump Imposes Sweeping Steel and Aluminum Tariffs, Sparking Trade War Risks
The measures, effective March 12, eliminate country-specific exemptions and extend to downstream steel and aluminum products, affecting key suppliers such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
February 11, 2025 09:55 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. Net Farm Income & Net Cast Income.jpg
Ag Economy
Government Payments Drive U.S. Farm Income Surge in 2025
A staggering 345% increase in government payments — from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $42.4 billion in 2025 — is the key factor behind the income boost.
February 06, 2025 04:00 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Tariffs Paused
News
China Strikes Back With Tariffs on U.S., North American Trade War On Pause
Who is next on the Trump administration’s trade radar?
February 04, 2025 01:45 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
While USMCA won't create many changes in agriculture, economists say it's what happens if USMCA isn't passed that could be detrimental to agriculture?
Politics
Canada, Mexico Hit Back with Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports
Following President Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Canada announced its own 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports. Mexico also announced its own retaliatory measures, but no specifics were unveiled as of Sunday morning.
February 02, 2025 07:56 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House
Politics
Trump Officially Signs Three Executive Orders Imposing 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, 10% Tariffs on China
U.S. farmers and various trade groups are very apprehensive about not only the potential negative impacts of tariffs on the U.S. ag sector, but what they do to garner new trade agreements.
February 01, 2025 05:01 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Robert F. Kennedy Hearing Jan 29
Politics
RFK Jr. and Zeldin Comment on How They Would Implement Trump Policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to work with farmers to remove burdensome regulation during his confirmation hearing. And while Lee Zeldin’s past positions raised initial concerns, his recent statements during the confirmation process suggest he may be open to working with the biofuels industry in his new role as EPA Administrator.
January 30, 2025 04:46 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington
Policy
White House Abruptly Rescinds Federal Funding Freeze
Just hours before it was set to take effect, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued the order, delaying implementation until at least Feb. 3, 2025. The potential impact of a funding freeze on disaster relief is one area that remains uncertain.
January 29, 2025 07:41 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Brooke Rollins Confirmation Hearing
Politics
Key Takeaways from Brooke Rollins’ Confirmation Hearing for Agriculture Secretary
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.
January 23, 2025 11:19 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
Politics
From Executive Orders to Talk of 25% Tariffs Starting Feb. 1, Here’s A Recap of Trump’s First Day in Office
President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on stage at a rally in Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena on Monday, immediately following inauguration. It marked a dramatic and public start to his administration.
January 21, 2025 08:31 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
Politics
Trump 2.0: From Early Executive Orders to Delaying Tariffs Against China, Here’s What to Expect as Trump Takes Office
As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president, he’s not expected to impose China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, signaling a strategic shift toward engagement with Beijing rather than reigniting a trade war.
January 20, 2025 08:49 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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