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
China-Predictions.jpg
Politics
China 2025: 5 Predictions to Watch in the New Year
From a possible trade war to brewing discontent within the country, there are five significant trends poised to shape China in the coming year.
January 02, 2025 10:36 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Grain system - Illinois - Lindsey Pound
Ag Economy
Breaking Down the 2025 American Relief Act: What It Means for You
Here’s a snapshot of distribution by state and crop as well as per-acre payment rates by crop for the $9.8 billion in market relief payments for farmers.
December 31, 2024 01:43 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Aerial farmland farm land at harvest fall corn soybeans - By Lindsey Pound
Politics
Heads Up: Corporate Transparency Act Still in Limbo
Will corporations, LLCs, and LPs be required to report Beneficial Ownership Information soon? Here’s the latest developments.
December 27, 2024 12:53 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Screenshot 2024-12-22 at 5.55.32 PM.png
Politics
Trump Continues to Build USDA Team, Names Stephen Vaden as Deputy Secretary
As the Trump administration prepares to return to the White House, these appointments signal a continuation of its previous agricultural policies and priorities, with experienced individuals who have both legal expertise and connections to the farming community.
December 22, 2024 06:04 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Corn_Canva
Corn
In a Victory for U.S. Corn Growers, USMCA Panel Rules Against Mexico’s GM Corn Ban
The dispute traces back to December 2020 when plans were first announced to ban GM corn by the end of 2024. This move immediately raised concerns in the Corn Belt, prompting NCGA to initiate outreach to both the Trump and Biden administrations.
December 20, 2024 03:37 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) holds a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington
Politics
Ag Gets Potential Christmas Gift from Congress: Continuing Resolution Includes $31 Billion in Aid for Producers
The stopgap deal to avoid a government shutdown includes $10 billion in direct payments for farmers, $21 bllion in ag disaster aid, a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill and year-round E15.
December 18, 2024 10:12 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) holds a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington
Politics
Ag Sector Could Score Big in Stopgap Spending
The House of Representatives released its Continuing Resolution text, which includes a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, $10 billion in farmer economic aid, $21 billion in ag disaster funding for 2023 and 2024 and year-round E15 sales.
December 17, 2024 01:02 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Congress
Ag Economy
A Farm Bill Extension Without Economic Aid for Farmers Sparks Intense Negotiations and Debate in Congress
Agricultural groups said over the weekend they do not support year-end spending package sans economic aid for ag producers.
December 16, 2024 08:18 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Close-up of New World Screwworm
Beef
APHIS Increases Import Restrictions on Animal Products from Mexico on Confirmed Case of New World Screwworm
New World Screwworm is a serious veterinary pest that can cause severe damage to livestock and wildlife populations. The detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico and the subsequent USDA actions may have significant implications on trade and travel.
November 24, 2024 06:24 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York
Politics
Trump Taps Texas Native Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture
In an announcement on Saturday, Trump said her “commitment to support the American farmer, the defense of American food self-sufficiency and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”
November 23, 2024 01:10 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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