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

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

Jim Wiesemeyer

NY: High Cost of Eggs Due to Supply Shortage from Bird Flu Continues

Policy

Trump Administration Announces $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Soaring Egg Prices

The plan, announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, dedicates up to $500 million to help poultry producers implement biosecurity measures and up to $400 million in financial relief for farmers whose flocks are affected by avian flu.

February 26, 2025 09:28 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico

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

Jim Wiesemeyer

NY: Egg Prices Remain High Due To Bird Flu Outbreak/avian flu

Policy

As the Trump Administration Shifts Strategy on Avian Flu, it’s a Complicated Issue in Need of a Long-Term Solution

USDA is working to get more eggs into the supply chain in the short-term, but U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says a team is focused on coming up with a long-term strategy to combat avian flu.

February 25, 2025 08:36 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seen in Washington

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

Jim Wiesemeyer

Policy

Trump Administration Shifts Strategy on Avian Flu

Spearheaded by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the plan prioritizes enhanced biosecurity measures and medication to control the spread of the virus and moves away from mass culling of infected flocks.

February 16, 2025 06:38 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs in Washington

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

Jim Wiesemeyer

DC: Nomination Hearing for Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture

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

Exports

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

Jim Wiesemeyer

U.S. Net Farm Income & Net Cast Income.jpg

Dairy Business News

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

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?

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

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

Policy

RFK Jr. and Zeldin Comment on How They Would Implement Trump Policy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to work with farmers to remove burdensome regulation during his confirmation hearing. And while Lee Zeldin’s past positions raised initial concerns, his recent statements during the confirmation process suggest he may be open to working with the biofuels industry in his new role as EPA Administrator.

January 30, 2025 04:46 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Policy

Key Takeaways from Brooke Rollins’ Confirmation Hearing for Agriculture Secretary

During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.

January 23, 2025 11:19 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term

Policy

From Executive Orders to Talk of 25% Tariffs Starting Feb. 1, Here’s A Recap of Trump’s First Day in Office

President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on stage at a rally in Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena on Monday, immediately following inauguration. It marked a dramatic and public start to his administration.

January 21, 2025 10:27 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer