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
Trade Tariffs
Ag Policy
Mexico and Canada Take Additional Actions to Ward Off U.S. Tariffs
While Canada and Mexico have taken measures to address U.S. concerns, China’s response remains muted, potentially setting the stage for further trade tensions.
February 28, 2025 02:18 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico
Ag Policy
Mexico’s Sheinbaum Pushes for USMCA Deal as Tariff Deadline Nears
Trump said Monday that his planned 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the U.S. “are going ahead on time, on schedule,” meaning the duties would take effect on March 4 at the conclusion of a one-month suspension.
February 25, 2025 01:02 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seen in Washington
Ag Policy
USDA Releases Approximately $20 Million of Paused Inflation Reduction Act Funding That Had Been Under Review
Following White House directives, USDA is honoring existing contracts with farmers, releasing approximately $20 million for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
February 20, 2025 08:36 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
A Mexican cattle broker looks at a group of spayed heifers before they cross the U.S.-Mexico border at Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
Industry
USDA Maintains Cattle Imports Amid Second New World Screwworm Case in Mexico
APHIS emphasizes new protocols in place to monitor for the pest before cattle enter the U.S.
February 19, 2025 01:29 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs in Washington
Ag Policy
Trump Moves to Impose Reciprocal Tariffs, And It Could Reshape U.S. Trade Policy
These customized levies, expected to be finalized by April, are designed to rebalance trade relationships and target unfair practices, including subsidies, regulations, and exchange rate manipulation.
February 13, 2025 02:42 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
DC: Nomination Hearing for Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture
Ag Policy
Senate Overwhelmingly Confirms Brooke Rollins as 33rd Secretary of Agriculture
Rollins’ confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Trump’s key cabinet positions.
February 13, 2025 12:10 PM
 · 
Tyne Morgan
poster.jpg
Ag Policy
Trump Imposes Sweeping Steel and Aluminum Tariffs, Sparking Trade War Risks
The measures, effective March 12, eliminate country-specific exemptions and extend to downstream steel and aluminum products, affecting key suppliers such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
February 11, 2025 09:57 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. Net Farm Income & Net Cast Income.jpg
Industry
Government Payments Drive U.S. Farm Income Surge in 2025
A staggering 345% increase in government payments — from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $42.4 billion in 2025 — is the key factor behind the income boost.
February 06, 2025 04:04 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
While USMCA won't create many changes in agriculture, economists say it's what happens if USMCA isn't passed that could be detrimental to agriculture?
Ag Policy
Canada, Mexico Hit Back with Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports
Following President Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Canada announced its own 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports. Mexico also announced its own retaliatory measures, but no specifics were unveiled as of Sunday morning.
February 02, 2025 07:56 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House
Ag Policy
Trump Officially Signs Three Executive Orders Imposing 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, 10% Tariffs on China
U.S. farmers and various trade groups are very apprehensive about not only the potential negative impacts of tariffs on the U.S. ag sector, but what they do to garner new trade agreements.
February 01, 2025 05:01 PM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
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