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
Close-up of New World Screwworm
Beef
More Action Needed By Mexico Before Reopening Border for Feeder Cattle Imports, Says Vilsack
Outgoing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack sent a letter to Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture acknowledging the progress made in reopening cattle trade between the two countries following the detection of New World Screwworm, but says more action is needed to resume trade.
January 19, 2025 02:54 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Senate Committee on Finance confirmation hearing on Scott Bessent's nomination to be secretary of treasury, on Capitol Hill in Washington
Politics
Treasury Nominee Bessent Defends Trump Policies in Testimony; Promises to Press China to Resume Ag Purchases in Phase 1 Agreement
Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent outlined a three-pronged approach to tariffs during his Senate testimony this week, including targeted tariffs, general tariffs as revenue generators and tariffs as a negotiation tool.
January 17, 2025 11:37 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Corn field - Lindsey Pound
Corn
USDA’s Interim Rule for Climate-Smart Crops Used As Biofuel Feedstocks Viewed Favorable for Farmers
According to the new interim rule, farmers can choose one or more of the CSA actions — no-till or reduced-till, cover crops, and nutrient management. Unlike prior rules, farmers no longer have to use all three on the same field at the same time.
January 15, 2025 11:50 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling.jpg
Politics
FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling to Help Consumers Make Healthier Food Choices
This “Nutrition Info box,” a black-and-white design, will display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, categorized as “Low,” “Med,” or “High,” along with the percent Daily Value for each nutrient.
January 14, 2025 10:58 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
poster.jpg
Ag Economy
Biden Administration’s 45Z Announcement Leaves More Questions Than Answers
U.S. biofuels and corn groups criticized the overall guidance as lacking details on what qualifies for tax credits.
January 13, 2025 03:16 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Panama Canal raises maximum water depth for ships transiting Neopanamax locks, on the outskirts of Panama City
Politics
Why Trump Continues to Talk About Taking Control of Greenland, Panama Canal
Trump has long expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish territory, describing it as “absolutely necessary” for U.S. security. He also raised concerns over the Panama Canal, claiming its current operation by Chinese interests undermines American control of a critical trade route.
January 08, 2025 12:10 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Mexican imported cattle
Beef
Mexican Border is Expected to Open for Feeder Cattle Week of Jan. 20, Sources Say
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) suspended imports of live cattle and bison from Mexico on Nov. 22, 2024, following the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) along Mexico’s southern border.
January 07, 2025 02:12 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
The Canadian flag flies at half staff on the Peace Tower at the Parliament Buildings, after Queen Elizabeth's passing, in Ottawa
Politics
Canada Gears Up for Potential Trade Tensions with Trump
Canada is preparing for potential trade challenges following Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The Canadian government is considering a proactive approach, including the possible early release of a retaliatory tariff list.
January 07, 2025 11:41 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. representatives gather to vote for their new Speaker of the House on the first day of the new Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington
Politics
GOP to Propose ‘Biggest Bill in American History'; Includes Tax Cuts, Deregulation and Border Security
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.
January 06, 2025 12:47 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm-Bill-Agenda.jpg
Politics
Senate Agenda to Start 2025 Includes New Farm Bill
The Senate kicked off quietly as the House steals the spotlight to start 2025. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to pass individual appropriations bills and a farm bill as well as focus on regular order and extended floor debates.
January 03, 2025 11:50 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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