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
Farm Bill
Policy
Stabenow Finally Releases Full Text of Senate Farm Bill; Here’s What It Means for Agriculture
The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, which builds on the proposal Stabenow released in May, includes $39 billion in new resources “to keep farmers farming, families fed and rural communities strong.”
November 18, 2024 11:35 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
A field worker picks strawberries in Oxnard, California
Labor
U.S. Ag, Food Industry Groups Express Significant Concerns About Trump’s Proposed Mass Deportation Plans
Ag industry groups recognize the crucial role that immigrant workers play in the U.S. food system. They emphasize that these workers often take on physically demanding jobs that many American-born workers are unwilling to do.
November 15, 2024 02:58 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Republicans meet to vote on leadership positions on Capitol Hill in Washington
Policy
Why John Thune’s Election as Senate Majority Leader is Considered Beneficial for U.S. Agriculture
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) wins Majority Leader race. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) was eliminated on the first ballot. And Thune beat Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) 29-24 on the second ballot.
November 13, 2024 01:50 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a rally in Concord
Policy
Trump Taps Lee Zeldin to Lead EPA; What Does It Signal for Agriculture?
Trump stated that Zeldin would “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions” to “unleash the power of American businesses.” The administration aims to maintain “the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet” while pursuing deregulation.
November 12, 2024 09:36 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seen in Washington
Policy
Who Will Be the Next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture?
Now that the election results are in, the parlor game of who President-elect Donald Trump will tap to serve on his Cabinet has returned, and there’s a host of possibilities.
November 07, 2024 12:44 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech at his Election Night Watch Party at the
Policy
Buoyed by Stronger Support from Rural America than 2016, Trump Wins Second Term as President
Trump garnered even stronger support in rural America versus his still robust rural vote in this first administration. That is likely a backlash against the ag policy moves of the Biden/Harris administration that focused on underserved and minority rural citizens.
November 06, 2024 07:58 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Harris-Trump presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Policy
Hours Until the Election, 2024 Presidential Race is a ‘Pure Toss-up’
The race tightened over the weekend as the Des Moines Register’s final presidential poll shockingly had Harris up three points in the state, underscoring that the election will be closer than current market expectations
November 04, 2024 10:54 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
containers_exports_trade
Exports
U.S. Agriculture Faces Growing Trade Deficit, USDA Projects a Record Ag Trade Deficit in 2024
USDA forecasts agricultural exports at $173.5 billion and imports at a record $204 billion for a projected record trade deficit of $30.5 billion.
October 09, 2024 09:17 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Members of the International Longshoremen's Association union stand outside Columbia Container Services on strike in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Exports
East and Gulf Coast Dockworkers Now on Strike Over Wage Demands, Halting Key U.S. Cargo Shipments
Union head vows to stay on strike ‘as long as necessary’ as the first strike since 1977 halts the flow of goods, ranging from bananas to beef, pork and poultry to industrial materials, leading to potential shortages and price hikes.
October 01, 2024 07:53 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Georgia Ports Authority
Exports
Port Employers Exchange New Contract Offers with Longshore Union in Bid to Avert Strike
The group of terminal operators and ocean container lines said their new offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to union retirement plans, strengthen health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation.
September 30, 2024 08:31 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: Agriculture groups urge White House to avert East Coast port strike
Exports
Top Biden Admin. Officials Urge ‘Good Faith’ Negotiations as Port Strikes Set to Start Oct. 1
Biden administration officials are meeting with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to urge good faith negotiations in the ongoing labor dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).

September 27, 2024 02:27 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Trump holds a campaign rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania
Policy
Trump Threatens 200% Tariff If Deere Moves Manufacturing to Mexico
In response to John Deere’s recent announcement about moving some of its production to Mexico, Trump expressed concern about the impact on American workers, stating, “It’s hurting our country. It’s hurting our workers.”
September 23, 2024 08:39 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Docked cargo ships are loaded with shipping containers in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey
Labor
As a Potential Strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast Ports Looms, Here’s What You Need to Know
The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance is set to expire on Sept. 30. Negotiations between the two parties have stalled, raising concerns about a possible strike starting Oct. 1.
September 17, 2024 04:15 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Chinese Flag, China
Exports
China’s Economic Slowdown is Leading to a Major Impact on Global Ag Markets
The effects are already visible, with declining French barley exports to China and the U.S. struggling to sell corn for the new season.
September 16, 2024 01:29 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Harris-Trump presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Policy
Where Do Harris and Trump Stand On Ag Policy Issues?
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released the unedited responses from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to its questionnaire on federal agricultural policy.
September 13, 2024 02:19 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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