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

Ag Bankers Stress Crop Insurance, Farm Lending Link in Senate Ag Hearing

Lenders In the hearing seemed to agree on a boost to lending limits in USDA guaranteed loans as lawmakers ready for the next farm bill.

May 05, 2023 01:00 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Farm bill - capitol - grain system - soybean field - corn field - By Lindsey Pound

$709 Billion Farm Bill Will See a Budget Increase, According to G.T. Thompson

During Thompson’s presentation at a crop insurance event, he was passionate about getting a farm bill done, but acknowledged several hurdles that he said could be overcome in a bipartisan approach.

May 03, 2023 09:07 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Corn Harvest - Poet Ethanol Plant - By Lindsey Pound 2022

U.S. Ethanol Industry Expands Push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The U.S. ethanol industry is lobbying the Biden administration to ensure lower-carbon aviation fuel made from ethanol will qualify for subsidies.

April 27, 2023 03:21 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

planter - planting - corn - sunset - Lindsey Pound

Planted Vs. Base Acre Debate Resurfaces in Farm Bill Discussion

Here we go again. Some farmers and at least one farm-state lawmaker want to move back to payments based on planted and not base acres.

April 21, 2023 03:25 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Water- Corn field - Scenic - Pomme de Terre River - Morris Minnesota-By Lindsey Pound

4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, appeared before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday to discuss everything from WOTUS to the farm bill. Here are the highlights that will directly impact producers.

April 20, 2023 01:36 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

The EPA’s new definition of Waters of the U.S. takes effect Monday. Here's a rundown of what is considered WOTUS and subject to federal regulation.

What Bodies of Water are Considered WOTUS?

The EPA’s new definition of Waters of the U.S. takes effect Monday. Here’s a rundown of what is considered WOTUS and, therefore, subject to federal regulation.

April 12, 2023 04:39 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

American red shipping cargo container on a white background.

USTR’s Trade Strategy: Stronger Ties with Like-Minded Countries

Non-tariff barriers “are real and can be more significant hurdles than tariffs,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says.

April 06, 2023 02:23 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

USTR Tai Continues to Push Trade Policy Focused on Non-Tariff Barriers

While Tai has faced strong criticism about a lack of new trade agreements being pursued, she claimed this week that the U.S. is “nearing a consensus on the need to do things differently.”

April 05, 2023 01:27 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

FILE PHOTO: The Arkas Line's Conti Basel container ship is docked in the Black sea port of Odessa, Ukraine, November 4, 2016. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

Cargo Ships Leave West Coast Ports As Labor Talks Show ‘Little to No’ Progress

Rail strikes ran headlines in late 2022 and came to an end in December when Congress passed an agreement. But there may be another strike looming in the transportation sector unless the Biden administration changes pace.

March 27, 2023 12:25 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Is There Anything New from the Latest Farm Bill Debate?

We need to know the final funding level in the debt limit debate before there are can be any attempt to mix and match farm bill titles and funds.

March 24, 2023 10:13 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer