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
Members of the International Longshoremen's Association union stand outside Columbia Container Services on strike in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Taxes and Finance
East and Gulf Coast Dockworkers Now on Strike Over Wage Demands, Halting Key U.S. Cargo Shipments
Union head vows to stay on strike ‘as long as necessary’ as the first strike since 1977 halts the flow of goods, ranging from bananas to beef, pork and poultry to industrial materials, leading to potential shortages and price hikes.
October 01, 2024 07:53 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Georgia Ports Authority
Politics
Port Employers Exchange New Contract Offers with Longshore Union in Bid to Avert Strike
The group of terminal operators and ocean container lines said their new offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to union retirement plans, strengthen health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation.
September 30, 2024 08:31 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Canada
Politics
Grain Terminal Workers End Strike at Port of Vancouver After Reaching Tentative Deal
Grain terminal workers at the Port of Vancouver started returning to work on Sept. 28 following a tentative agreement to end a four-day strike that disrupted crop exports during the critical harvest season.
September 29, 2024 06:17 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Agriculture groups urge White House to avert East Coast port strike
Taxes and Finance
Top Biden Admin. Officials Urge ‘Good Faith’ Negotiations as Port Strikes Set to Start Oct. 1
Biden administration officials are meeting with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to urge good faith negotiations in the ongoing labor dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).

September 27, 2024 02:26 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Trump holds a campaign rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania
Politics
Trump Threatens 200% Tariff If Deere Moves Manufacturing to Mexico
In response to John Deere’s recent announcement about moving some of its production to Mexico, Trump expressed concern about the impact on American workers, stating, “It’s hurting our country. It’s hurting our workers.”
September 23, 2024 08:34 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Cover Crops
Conservation
Why Is It Taking So Long to Get the Necessary Guidance on the 45Z Tax Credit Program?
45Z is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. While the 45Z credit has the potential to significantly boost sustainable aviation fuel production, the current lack of detailed guidance is causing some uncertainty in the industry.
September 23, 2024 07:36 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
grain
Soybeans
Chances of a Strike at East Coast and West Coast Ports are Growing; Here’s How it Could Impact Farmers
While bulk grain exports would be largely unaffected, the strike would impact containerized agricultural exports: Soybeans, soybean meal, and other agricultural products exported via containers would be affected.
September 20, 2024 09:44 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Docked cargo ships are loaded with shipping containers in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey
Taxes and Finance
As a Potential Strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast Ports Looms, Here’s What You Need to Know
The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance is set to expire on Sept. 30. Negotiations between the two parties have stalled, raising concerns about a possible strike starting Oct. 1.
September 17, 2024 01:26 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Chinese Flag, China
Taxes and Finance
China’s Economic Slowdown is Leading to a Major Impact on Global Ag Markets
The effects are already visible, with declining French barley exports to China and the U.S. struggling to sell corn for the new season.
September 16, 2024 12:51 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Harris-Trump presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Politics
Where Do Harris and Trump Stand On Ag Policy Issues?
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released the unedited responses from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to its questionnaire on federal agricultural policy.
September 13, 2024 02:18 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
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