Jim Wiesemeyer

Jim Wiesemeyer was a Pro Farmer contributor as the Washington Bureau Chief. His columns provided expertise and insight on farm policy, trade policy and Washington politics.

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Russia is ready to provide a humanitarian corridor for vessels carrying food to leave Ukraine, in return for the lifting of some sanctions, Interfax news agency reported, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.
The White House is considering waiving U.S. gasoline environmental rules aimed at reducing summertime smog, hoping the waiver will combat rising pump prices, Reuters reported.
The U.S.-China trade war began in July 2018 when the Trump administration imposed tariffs on $550 billion worth of Chinese goods. Nearly four years later, the debate remains as to which country actually won.
U.S. diesel prices are the highest ever, with warnings of shortages, especially in the eastern U.S., and the most intensive part of the farming season is still ahead.
Ukraine reported a major drop in grain exports, threatening food security for millions worldwide. Grain exports are down 64% so far in May compared to last year, the country’s agriculture ministry said Thursday.
The government of India, the world’s second-biggest wheat grower, announced Saturday a move to mostly prohibited exports, saying that the nation’s food security is under threat.
The White House is expected to announce plans to insure double cropping in 681 more counties and doubling the amount of funding for domestic fertilizer production to $500M during a visit to an Illinois farm Wednesday.
Included in Thursday’s announcement by the Biden administration asking Congress to approve $33B in total aid for Ukraine, is a proposal to increase wheat loan 63% to $5.52 bu.; oilseeds by 40%; rice and pulse 21%.
Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking panel member reveals he had ‘spirited conversations’ and ‘unsuccessfully attempted to secure the expert opinion of the Office of the Chief Economist on S 4030.’
USDA’s 2022 food price inflation forecasts are already at a 14-year high with forecasts for consumer food price inflation increased again this month. All food prices now seen rising 5% to 6% vs 4.5% to 5.5% in March.