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

This custom blend option allows growers to combine the superior Pythium protection Vayantis provides with other seed treatments, creating tailor-made solutions specific to their fields’ challenges.

Grain Markets Rattled by Threat of War Between Russia and Ukraine, Driving Wheat Prices Higher

Mounting conflict in the breadbasket of Europe is driving volatility in wheat markets as Russia and Ukraine account for 29% of global wheat exports.

February 01, 2022 11:11 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

China’s Central Bank Cut Rates for First Time in Two Years

On Monday the People’s Bank of China also announced a 0.1 percentage point cut to two of its key policy rates. It acted after GDP grew by more than 8% in 2021, but slowed down in the fourth quarter.

January 18, 2022 08:12 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

CBO Report Shows True Cost of Biden Administration’s Build Back Better Plan Closer to $5T

Senate leadership’s timeline for the BBB proposal is just before Christmas, according to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin is calling for a strategic pause for the vote, delaying it into 2022.

December 13, 2021 09:08 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Deere, UAW Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract

Union: New offer has modest modifications to offer voted down Nov. 2; Vote Wed.

November 15, 2021 09:17 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

USDA Significantly Boosts Net Farm Income Forecast, Highest Since 2013

Net cash farm income, which tracks producers’ cash flow, is forecast by USDA at $134.7B for 2021. That number is up $6.4B from February’s forecast and would be an increase of 21.5% from 2020’s $110.9B.

September 03, 2021 01:00 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

“Food inflation has definitely started to slow down, and this is good news for consumers. However, it still won’t be cheaper to celebrate the Fourth of July this year,” says Dr. Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist.

Vilsack Goes on Offense Re: Errant Meat Consumption Reports

Secretary Vilsack flatly denied there is any effort by President Biden to reduce meat consumption to meet proposed cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. “Sometimes in the political world, games get played,” he said.

April 27, 2021 02:30 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Government Shutdown to End, 3-Week Funding Agreement Reached

No funding for border wall, but lawmakers will discuss border security in weeks ahead

November 19, 2020 11:20 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and President Donald Trump shake hands after signing phase one of a trade agreement.

News

Phase 1 China Deal: What You Need To Know

Pro Farmer Policy Analyst Jim Wiesemeyer give analysis for each individual ag commodity impacted by the phase 1 trade deal with China.

November 11, 2020 12:22 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Why Is It Taking So Long to Get the Necessary Guidance on the 45Z Tax Credit Program?

45Z is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. While the 45Z credit has the potential to significantly boost sustainable aviation fuel production, the current lack of detailed guidance is causing some uncertainty in the industry.

Jim Wiesemeyer

China’s Economic Slowdown is Leading to a Major Impact on Global Ag Markets

The effects are already visible, with declining French barley exports to China and the U.S. struggling to sell corn for the new season.

Jim Wiesemeyer