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
TractorTrends2
Lower Used Equipment Prices Are Another Sign of the Challenges in the Ag Sector
Rising inventories and declining auction values strain dealers, farmers, and manufacturers, leading to layoffs and financial pressures across the industry.
September 12, 2024 10:41 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm-Recession.jpg
Dairy Business News
How Do You Know When Agriculture Is In A Recession?
Agriculture can sometimes act as a buffer during broader economic recessions, as demand for essential food items tends to remain relatively stable. However, when multiple indicators align in the industry, it can signal a recession.
September 04, 2024 03:51 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
poster.jpg
Exports
In First Forecast for FY 2025, USDA Projects A Bulging Ag Trade Deficit to Top $42 Billion
Agricultural imports are expected to reach a record $212 billion, up $8 billion from FY 2024. This increase is largely due to rising imports of horticultural products, sugar and tropical products.
August 29, 2024 09:37 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm workers plant Novavine drought-resistant grapevines in Woodland
Labor
Judge Blocks Rule Allowing H-2A Workers to Unionize in 17 States
The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, who found the rule unconstitutional because it conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by granting collective bargaining rights to farmworkers.
August 27, 2024 09:13 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
farm
Dairy Business News
How Agriculture Could Be Impacted by Any U.S. Recession
Recessions often lead to decreased demand for certain agricultural products, particularly those considered discretionary, such as cotton, dairy, specialty meat products and vegetables. This can result in lower prices for these commodities, affecting farmers’ revenues.
August 12, 2024 11:37 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Joe Biden travels to Minnesota
Policy
Harris Taps Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz As VP Pick, Can He Now Help Boost the Rural Vote?
Walz’s selection is seen as a strategic move to appeal to rural voters and progressives, given his track record of progressive policy achievements and his Midwestern charm.
August 06, 2024 01:53 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill
Policy
CBO Estimate Shows House Ag Committee’s Farm Bill Would Increase Federal Budget Deficit by $33B Over 10 Years
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson (R-Pa.) believes the CBO’s methodology underestimates the potential savings criticized them for what he sees as a history of underestimating Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) outlays.
August 05, 2024 07:43 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Grocery store in Washington
Policy
The Reasons Behind the Painful Surge in Grocery Prices
New research finds the surge in grocery prices was driven mainly by substantial increases in commodity prices and supermarket wages, rather than price gouging.
July 17, 2024 10:45 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Republican National Convention in Milwaukee
Policy
Trump Picks JD Vance as Running Mate, Here’s Where He Stands on Policy Issues and Agriculture
This decision marks a significant transformation in Vance’s political career, as he has evolved from being a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 election to becoming a staunch ally and supporter of the former president.
July 16, 2024 09:14 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Supreme Court
Policy
How the Supreme Court’s Big Decision to Overturn the Chevron Doctrine Could Impact Agriculture
The Supreme Court decision is expected to shift more interpretive power to the courts.
July 01, 2024 12:11 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill Capitol Hill Washington DC Government Legislation - Lindsey Pound
Policy
A Contentious House Ag Committee Markup of a New $1.51 Trillion Farm Bill Passes Out of Committee
A contentious House Ag Committee markup of a new $1.51 trillion farm bill began on Thursday and ended early Friday with four Democrats joining all Republicans in voting for the measure, bringing the final tally to 33-21.
May 26, 2024 03:14 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Farm Bill Capitol Hill Washington DC Government Legislation - Lindsey Pound
Policy
What You Need to Know About the Key Differences Between the House and Senate Versions of the Farm Bill
The House Ag Committee on Thursday will mark up the House farm bill. House Ag Chair GT Thompson told AgriTalk the panel will have the votes to clear the panel, but he has yet to receive any firm Democratic support.
May 21, 2024 05:22 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Drought cows
Policy
USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses
Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.
December 07, 2023 09:19 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Bank Security
Dairy Business News
High Interest Rates Are Already Impacting Farmers, And It’s Coming at the Expense of Ag Loans
Farmers are opting to tap into their savings from recent prosperous years instead of taking out loans at the highest interest rates since 2007, according to surveys conducted by regional Federal Reserve banks.
October 20, 2023 09:50 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Congress. Photo: Philip, Adobe Stock
Policy
The Government Didn’t Shut Down, And That’s Good News For The Farm Bill
With the government funding in place for now, work on a new farm bill can continue, with the same questions (timing, funding, Title 1 reform, etc.) still being unanswered.
October 02, 2023 09:47 AM
 · 
Jim Wiesemeyer
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