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

Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term

Policy

Trump 2.0: From Early Executive Orders to Delaying Tariffs Against China, Here’s What to Expect as Trump Takes Office

As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president, he’s not expected to impose China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, signaling a strategic shift toward engagement with Beijing rather than reigniting a trade war.

January 20, 2025 08:49 AM

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Senate Committee on Finance confirmation hearing on Scott Bessent's nomination to be secretary of treasury, on Capitol Hill in Washington

Exports

Treasury Nominee Bessent Defends Trump Policies in Testimony; Promises to Press China to Resume Ag Purchases in Phase 1 Agreement

Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent outlined a three-pronged approach to tariffs during his Senate testimony this week, including targeted tariffs, general tariffs as revenue generators and tariffs as a negotiation tool.

January 17, 2025 11:37 AM

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FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling.jpg

Policy

FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling to Help Consumers Make Healthier Food Choices

This “Nutrition Info box,” a black-and-white design, will display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, categorized as “Low,” “Med,” or “High,” along with the percent Daily Value for each nutrient.

January 14, 2025 11:17 AM

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FILE PHOTO: Panama Canal raises maximum water depth for ships transiting Neopanamax locks, on the outskirts of Panama City

Exports

Why Trump Continues to Talk About Taking Control of Greenland, Panama Canal

Trump has long expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, a Danish territory, describing it as “absolutely necessary” for U.S. security. He also raised concerns over the Panama Canal, claiming its current operation by Chinese interests undermines American control of a critical trade route.

January 08, 2025 12:10 PM

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The Canadian flag flies at half staff on the Peace Tower at the Parliament Buildings, after Queen Elizabeth's passing, in Ottawa

Exports

Canada Gears Up for Potential Trade Tensions with Trump

Canada is preparing for potential trade challenges following Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The Canadian government is considering a proactive approach, including the possible early release of a retaliatory tariff list.

January 07, 2025 11:41 AM

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U.S. representatives gather to vote for their new Speaker of the House on the first day of the new Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington

Policy

GOP to Propose ‘Biggest Bill in American History'; Includes Tax Cuts, Deregulation and Border Security

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.

January 06, 2025 12:47 PM

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Policy

China 2025: 5 Predictions to Watch in the New Year

From a possible trade war to brewing discontent within the country, there are five significant trends poised to shape China in the coming year.

January 02, 2025 10:36 AM

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Aerial farmland farm land at harvest fall corn soybeans - By Lindsey Pound

Policy

Heads Up: Corporate Transparency Act Still in Limbo

Will corporations, LLCs, and LPs be required to report Beneficial Ownership Information soon? Here’s the latest developments.

December 27, 2024 01:49 PM

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Policy

Trump Continues to Build USDA Team, Names Stephen Vaden as Deputy Secretary

As the Trump administration prepares to return to the White House, these appointments signal a continuation of its previous agricultural policies and priorities, with experienced individuals who have both legal expertise and connections to the farming community.

December 22, 2024 06:04 PM

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U.S. House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) holds a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington

Policy

Ag Gets Potential Christmas Gift from Congress: Continuing Resolution Includes $31 Billion in Aid for Producers

The stopgap deal to avoid a government shutdown includes $10 billion in direct payments for farmers, $21 bllion in ag disaster aid, a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill and year-round E15.

December 18, 2024 10:20 AM

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Congress

Policy

A Farm Bill Extension Without Economic Aid for Farmers Sparks Intense Negotiations and Debate in Congress

Agricultural groups said over the weekend they do not support year-end spending package sans economic aid for ag producers.

December 16, 2024 10:44 AM

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FILE PHOTO: Rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York

Policy

Trump Taps Texas Native Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture

In an announcement on Saturday, Trump said her “commitment to support the American farmer, the defense of American food self-sufficiency and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”

November 22, 2024 04:10 PM

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Washington DC

President-elect Trump Names Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Head Of Department of Health and Human Services

Nomination sparks debate over Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and Senate support

November 22, 2024 12:15 PM

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Rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York

Policy

Trump’s Cabinet Nominees Now Up Odds for Expanding U.S. Trade/Economic War with China

Trump taps Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary, signaling tariff-heavy trade strategy. Lutnick has called the tariffs a negotiating tool that could be used to convince other countries to bring down their own levies or to force companies to move production to the U.S.

November 20, 2024 11:07 AM

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Farm Bill Capitol Hill Washington DC Government Legislation - Lindsey Pound

Policy

Ag Groups Say Stabenow’s Lame-Duck Farm Bill is Lame; Gets Lambasted for Timing, Details

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow finally released the full text of the Senate farm bill on Monday, but it’s already drawing intense criticism. Even usually optimistic House Ag Chair GT Thompson signaled it’s time to focus on a 2018 farm bill extension by year’s end.

November 19, 2024 03:05 PM

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