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
Steak with U.S. Flag
Politics
Japan Gives Final Approval for Beef Trade Provisions
The change will reduce the probability that U.S. beef could be hit with higher Japanese tariffs, according to the Office of the USTR.
November 28, 2022 04:35 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
The official said much of the crude that would be produced and exported under the license would probably have reached the market anyway via the black market.
Politics
Biden Administration Clears Chevron to Produce, Export Venezuelan Oil
The license would still bar Venezuela’s PdVSA, the state-owned oil company, from receiving any profits from the oil sales in the joint venture with Chevron.
November 28, 2022 03:26 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
airplane
Politics
Chinese Delegates Meet with Top U.S. Officials in New York
China moved to close parks, malls and museums on Tues. as COVID-19 cases hit near-record levels. Lockdowns follow reports that, days before COP27, Xi sent policy and business advisers to New York to meet U.S. executives.
November 22, 2022 02:23 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Railroad-Train-By-Lindsey-Pound
Politics
Rail Strike Update: Labor Deal Deadline Shortened to Dec. 5
Unions and railroads are back at the negotiating table. By law, Congress can intervene to impose an agreement if the two sides remain deadlocked. However, one union is now on schedule to strike Dec. 5.
November 22, 2022 10:21 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
“The era of one-party Democrat rule in Washington is over,” Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican leader from California, said this week on Capitol Hill.
Politics
A Divided Government: GOP Retakes the House by Slim Margin
Most now look for President Biden to increase his use of executive orders and regulations to fulfill some other goals, including those in the coming farm bill.
November 18, 2022 03:23 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) applaud as U.S. President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S, March 1, 2022. Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERS
Politics
With Midterm Elections Nearly in the Rearview, Leadership Roles Prepare to Change Hands
Pelosi is to step down as leader of the Democratic Party in the House, a position she has held since 2003. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he will remain in Congress but won’t seek a leadership position.
November 18, 2022 02:13 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
“We intend not to be back here between Christmas and New Year’s, and if we can’t meet that deadline, we would be happy to pass a short-term CR into early next year,” said McConnell.
Politics
Impact of the Elections on Farm Bill 2023
The farm bill debate depends in part on who controls the House because leadership of the Ag Committee would see definite changes if the GOP wins.
November 16, 2022 09:04 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Biden was triumphant on Sunday after Democrats cemented control of the Senate and said the result meant he was going into his meeting with Xi in Bali on Monday "stronger."
Politics
U.S. Relations with China to “Elevate” Following Biden, Jingping’s First Face-to-Face Meeting on Monday
“We need to find the right direction for the bilateral relationship going forward and elevate the relationship,” Xi said, while Biden stressed that the two countries can compete without it turning into a conflict.
November 15, 2022 08:38 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Plaintiffs asked that all claims against Triumph be dismissed with prejudice.
Politics
Federal Judge in Texas Struck Down Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman, who was appointed by Donald Trump, declared the policy unlawful in the Thursday order: “In this country, we are not ruled by an all-powerful executive with a pen and a phone.”
November 11, 2022 02:34 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Railroad - Grain elevator - Lindsey Pound
Politics
Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day
Unions are arguing railroads haven’t done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.
November 10, 2022 04:05 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
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