Jim Wiesemeyer

Jim Wiesemeyer was a Pro Farmer contributor as the Washington Bureau Chief. His columns provided expertise and insight on farm policy, trade policy and Washington politics.

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“The era of one-party Democrat rule in Washington is over,” Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican leader from California, said this week on Capitol Hill.

A Divided Government: GOP Retakes the House by Slim Margin

Most now look for President Biden to increase his use of executive orders and regulations to fulfill some other goals, including those in the coming farm bill.

November 18, 2022 03:23 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) applaud as U.S. President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S, March 1, 2022. Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERS

With Midterm Elections Nearly in the Rearview, Leadership Roles Prepare to Change Hands

Pelosi is to step down as leader of the Democratic Party in the House, a position she has held since 2003. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he will remain in Congress but won’t seek a leadership position.

November 18, 2022 02:13 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Biden was triumphant on Sunday after Democrats cemented control of the Senate and said the result meant he was going into his meeting with Xi in Bali on Monday "stronger."

U.S. Relations with China to “Elevate” Following Biden, Jingping’s First Face-to-Face Meeting on Monday

“We need to find the right direction for the bilateral relationship going forward and elevate the relationship,” Xi said, while Biden stressed that the two countries can compete without it turning into a conflict.

November 15, 2022 08:38 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Railroad - Grain elevator - Lindsey Pound

Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day

Unions are arguing railroads haven’t done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.

November 10, 2022 04:05 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

There have now been 262 commercial flocks affected with HPAI in 2022.

Expect Thanksgiving Turkey Prices to Skyrocket Thanks to Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has wreaked havoc on many poultry operations this year. Cases confirmed this week in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin total nearly 1.5 million infected birds.

November 10, 2022 03:49 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

‘Red Wave’ of Voters Did Not Happen: Why Were Poll Predictions So Far Off the Mark?

What caused the polls to shift away from the predicted ‘red wave’ many had suggested? It comes down to multiple factors, including abortion, Trump and voter turnout.

November 09, 2022 05:51 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

China Looks to Move Away from Strict COVID-19 Restrictions as Imports, Exports Slow

Chinese leaders are considering steps toward reopening after nearly three years of tough pandemic restrictions. The news comes as China’s imports and exports slow on rising risks of a global recession.

November 08, 2022 04:22 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Florida’s Hurricane Ian Losses Total Over $1 Billion

Nikki Fried, Florida commissioner of ag, says the preliminary assessment is a “first step” in trying to get federal disaster aid for affected producers.

October 25, 2022 03:14 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban

Global diesel and distillate fuel stocks have fallen to dangerous levels and the U.S. has been exporting a lot of diesel to Europe and Latin America, but now things are changing.

October 24, 2022 01:37 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Ukraine Ag Export Numbers Have Recovered to Prewar Levels

Data from Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food shows the country shipped 6.9 million metric tons of grain, vegetables and edible oils last month, nearly matching the 7.1 million tons exported in Sept. 2021.

October 20, 2022 02:46 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer