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
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House
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Trump Officially Signs Three Executive Orders Imposing 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, 10% Tariffs on China
U.S. farmers and various trade groups are very apprehensive about not only the potential negative impacts of tariffs on the U.S. ag sector, but what they do to garner new trade agreements.
February 01, 2025 05:01 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Robert F. Kennedy Hearing Jan 29
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RFK Jr. and Zeldin Comment on How They Would Implement Trump Policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to work with farmers to remove burdensome regulation during his confirmation hearing. And while Lee Zeldin’s past positions raised initial concerns, his recent statements during the confirmation process suggest he may be open to working with the biofuels industry in his new role as EPA Administrator.
January 31, 2025 07:41 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington
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White House Abruptly Rescinds Federal Funding Freeze
Just hours before it was set to take effect, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued the order, delaying implementation until at least Feb. 3, 2025. The potential impact of a funding freeze on disaster relief is one area that remains uncertain.
January 29, 2025 04:26 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Brooke Rollins Confirmation Hearing
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Key Takeaways from Brooke Rollins’ Confirmation Hearing for Agriculture Secretary
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.
January 23, 2025 11:19 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
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From Executive Orders to Talk of 25% Tariffs Starting Feb. 1, Here’s A Recap of Trump’s First Day in Office
President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on stage at a rally in Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena on Monday, immediately following inauguration. It marked a dramatic and public start to his administration.
January 21, 2025 02:45 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
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Trump 2.0: From Early Executive Orders to Delaying Tariffs Against China, Here’s What to Expect as Trump Takes Office
As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president, he’s not expected to impose China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, signaling a strategic shift toward engagement with Beijing rather than reigniting a trade war.
January 20, 2025 08:49 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Corn field - Lindsey Pound
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USDA’s Interim Rule for Climate-Smart Crops Used As Biofuel Feedstocks Viewed Favorable for Farmers
According to the new interim rule, farmers can choose one or more of the CSA actions — no-till or reduced-till, cover crops, and nutrient management. Unlike prior rules, farmers no longer have to use all three on the same field at the same time.
January 15, 2025 12:35 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
poster.jpg
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Biden Administration’s 45Z Announcement Leaves More Questions Than Answers
U.S. biofuels and corn groups criticized the overall guidance as lacking details on what qualifies for tax credits.
January 13, 2025 03:16 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
The Canadian flag flies at half staff on the Peace Tower at the Parliament Buildings, after Queen Elizabeth's passing, in Ottawa
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Canada Gears Up for Potential Trade Tensions with Trump
Canada is preparing for potential trade challenges following Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The Canadian government is considering a proactive approach, including the possible early release of a retaliatory tariff list.
January 07, 2025 11:50 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. representatives gather to vote for their new Speaker of the House on the first day of the new Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington
Retail Industry
GOP to Propose ‘Biggest Bill in American History'; Includes Tax Cuts, Deregulation and Border Security
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.
January 06, 2025 01:06 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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