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

Retail Industry

Stabenow Finally Releases Full Text of Senate Farm Bill; Here’s What It Means for Agriculture

The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, which builds on the proposal Stabenow released in May, includes $39 billion in new resources “to keep farmers farming, families fed and rural communities strong.”

November 18, 2024 11:35 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Retail Industry

AFBF Terminates Illinois Farm Bureau’s Membership, Now Illinois is Filing a Lawsuit

A letter from AFBF President Zippy Duvall to state Farm Bureau presidents said the action comes after a failed mediation session on Monday. The move is in retaliation for a decision by the Illinois Farm Bureau’s affiliate, Country Financial, to drop a Farm Bureau membership eligibility requirement for non-farm insurance policy holders in Illinois.

November 14, 2024 02:19 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Republicans meet to vote on leadership positions on Capitol Hill in Washington

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Why John Thune’s Election as Senate Majority Leader is Considered Beneficial for U.S. Agriculture

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) wins Majority Leader race. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) was eliminated on the first ballot. And Thune beat Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) 29-24 on the second ballot.

November 13, 2024 02:58 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a rally in Concord

Retail Industry

Trump Taps Lee Zeldin to Lead EPA; What Does It Signal for Agriculture?

Trump stated that Zeldin would “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions” to “unleash the power of American businesses.” The administration aims to maintain “the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet” while pursuing deregulation.

November 12, 2024 09:36 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seen in Washington

News

Who Will Be the Next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture?

Now that the election results are in, the parlor game of who President-elect Donald Trump will tap to serve on his Cabinet has returned, and there’s a host of possibilities.

November 07, 2024 01:34 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech at his Election Night Watch Party at the

Retail Industry

Buoyed by Stronger Support from Rural America than 2016, Trump Wins Second Term as President

Trump garnered even stronger support in rural America versus his still robust rural vote in this first administration. That is likely a backlash against the ag policy moves of the Biden/Harris administration that focused on underserved and minority rural citizens.

November 06, 2024 12:08 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Treasury Dept. Finally Releases Guidance on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel 40B Tax Credit

There is still uncertainty about whether the guidance for the 45Z credit will be available before the credit takes effect. This could potentially create challenges for producers planning to claim the credit in early 2025.

October 29, 2024 09:33 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Retail Industry

Senator Stabenow “Holds The Keys” to the Farm Bill Getting Done in 2024

Some long-time Washington contacts still give the odds of a farm bill this year at only 15%.

October 28, 2024 04:35 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer