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
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Crop Production
Fallout from Francine: Hurricane Wreaks Havoc on Barge Traffic and Shutters Key Ports
Farmers in the southern U.S. rushed to harvest key crops like cotton and rice ahead of Francine’s arrival.
September 12, 2024 03:03 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
China map
Taxes and Finance
China’s Exports Surge Amid Weak Domestic Economy, Raising Global Concerns
China’s soybean imports reached a record high in August 2024, reflecting significant growth in the country’s demand for the oilseed, but meat imports declined.
September 11, 2024 02:42 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm-Recession.jpg
Taxes and Finance
How Do You Know When Agriculture Is In A Recession?
Agriculture can sometimes act as a buffer during broader economic recessions, as demand for essential food items tends to remain relatively stable. However, when multiple indicators align in the industry, it can signal a recession.
September 04, 2024 01:28 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Aerial
Politics
Crop Insurance Provides Price Security For U.S. Farmers That’s Not Available To Counterparts In Other Countries
Estimates show Argentina’s corn acres could be down 20% due to damaging pests and low prices as crop insurance becomes a focus in the U.S.
September 03, 2024 12:47 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Crop Acres
Corn
FAPRI Updates Ag Baseline Projections, Painting a More Negative Picture for Soybean Prices Than USDA
In the absence of new shocks to the weather, the macroeconomy or policy, FAPRI projects prices will generally remain near current levels over the next five years.
August 29, 2024 01:30 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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Politics
In First Forecast for FY 2025, USDA Projects A Bulging Ag Trade Deficit to Top $42 Billion
Agricultural imports are expected to reach a record $212 billion, up $8 billion from FY 2024. This increase is largely due to rising imports of horticultural products, sugar and tropical products.
August 29, 2024 09:35 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm workers plant Novavine drought-resistant grapevines in Woodland
Politics
Judge Blocks Rule Allowing H-2A Workers to Unionize in 17 States
The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, who found the rule unconstitutional because it conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by granting collective bargaining rights to farmworkers.
August 27, 2024 09:12 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
CN and CPKC rail strike
Taxes and Finance
Canadian Rail Workers Are Back To Work, But With Appeal Now Planned, Major Labor Dispute Is Far From Over
Canada Industrial Relations Board orders rail workers back amid major labor dispute, union plans appeal
August 26, 2024 11:30 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago
Politics
Harris Unveils Her Economic Agenda Ahead of the DNC This Week
Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago. The cost of Vice President Harris’ new proposals is uncertain, but the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates the plan would increase deficits by $1.7 trillion over the next decade.
August 19, 2024 03:35 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
grocery-store-steaks
Beef
Meat Industry Urges Administration to Stop Using Meat As a Scapegoat And Distraction For Root Cause of Inflation
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to propose several economic measures aimed at addressing key voter concerns such as housing and grocery costs with a federal ban on price gouging.
August 16, 2024 03:09 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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