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
NY: High Cost of Eggs Due to Supply Shortage from Bird Flu Continues
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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 10:48 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico
Retail Industry
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 02:05 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Chicken
Retail Industry
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 18, 2025 08:05 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs in Washington
Retail Industry
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 03:29 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
DC: Nomination Hearing for Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture
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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
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Tyne Morgan
Congress and White House strike coronavirus aid agreement
Retail Industry
House Republicans Unveil Budget Resolution, Calling for $230 Billion in Ag-Related Cuts Over 10 Years
The resolution directs the Agriculture Committee to find $230 billion in spending reductions over 10 years. However, the exact breakdown of these cuts is not specified in the resolution itself.
February 12, 2025 02:59 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
poster.jpg
Retail Industry
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 09:59 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. Net Farm Income & Net Cast Income.jpg
Retail Industry
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 04:01 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Tariffs Paused
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China Strikes Back With Tariffs on U.S., North American Trade War On Pause
Who is next on the Trump administration’s trade radar?
February 04, 2025 01:45 PM
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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?
Retail Industry
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 09:34 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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