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
Faber said USDA told them the changes occurred because of a software update to its reporting system in 2019, during the Trump administration.
Ag Policy
How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation
Text of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was released early Tuesday morning. The Senate will vote first and intends to pass the measure before Thursday, leaving the House no time to demand changes.
December 20, 2022 11:19 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
The carbon deal is provisional and has to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.
Ag Policy
European Union Clinches a Deal on a Carbon Border Tax
Members of the bloc agreed on how to create a tool that will force foreign companies to pay for the cost of their carbon emissions.
December 19, 2022 01:58 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
“We intend not to be back here between Christmas and New Year’s, and if we can’t meet that deadline, we would be happy to pass a short-term CR into early next year,” said McConnell.
Ag Policy
Congress Finally Reports Progress in the Omnibus Spending Bill
The agreement will allow lawmakers to spend the coming week hashing out specific spending levels for each federal agency as well as what legislative items they will attach to the bill, likely including ag aid.
December 14, 2022 02:45 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Railroad - Lindsey Pound
Ag Policy
Shippers Note ‘Notoriously Difficult’ Railroads During Latest Hearing
Shippers urged the U.S. railroad regulator to create more competition in the industry during hearings in which Union Pacific was called to explain a spike in service restrictions.
December 14, 2022 09:00 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Vote
Ag Policy
Georgia Runoff Today Will Settle Last U.S. Senate Seat
Georgia voters today will decide the final Senate contest in the country, choosing between Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker.
December 06, 2022 01:30 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
The Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni, carrying Ukrainian grain, is seen in the Black Sea off Kilyos, near Istanbul, Turkey August 3, 2022. REUTERS/Mehmet Emin Caliskan
Ag Policy
U.S./EU Spark a Trade Spat Over Limitations in the Inflation Reduction Act
Europeans argue that the act is a beggar-thy-neighbor scheme designed to lure investors away from Europe, just as the region’s economy teeters on the verge of recession.
December 05, 2022 11:30 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Steak with U.S. Flag
Ag Policy
Japan Gives Final Approval for Beef Trade Provisions
The change will reduce the probability that U.S. beef could be hit with higher Japanese tariffs, according to the Office of the USTR.
November 28, 2022 04:35 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
airplane
Ag Policy
Chinese Delegates Meet with Top U.S. Officials in New York
China moved to close parks, malls and museums on Tues. as COVID-19 cases hit near-record levels. Lockdowns follow reports that, days before COP27, Xi sent policy and business advisers to New York to meet U.S. executives.
November 22, 2022 02:23 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Railroad-Train-By-Lindsey-Pound
Ag Policy
Rail Strike Update: Labor Deal Deadline Shortened to Dec. 5
Unions and railroads are back at the negotiating table. By law, Congress can intervene to impose an agreement if the two sides remain deadlocked. However, one union is now on schedule to strike Dec. 5.
November 22, 2022 10:21 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
“The era of one-party Democrat rule in Washington is over,” Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican leader from California, said this week on Capitol Hill.
Ag Policy
A Divided Government: GOP Retakes the House by Slim Margin
Most now look for President Biden to increase his use of executive orders and regulations to fulfill some other goals, including those in the coming farm bill.
November 18, 2022 03:23 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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