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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.

Latest Stories
Farm Bill
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
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Jim Wiesemeyer
gavel2
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
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Republicans meet to vote on leadership positions on Capitol Hill in Washington
Retail Industry
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
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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
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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
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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
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Plane
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
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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
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Jim Wiesemeyer
north_dakota_aerial_farmland
Retail Industry
A State To Eliminate Property Taxes? Ballot Initiative in North Dakota
North Dakota voters are facing a significant decision this fall regarding property taxes and state funding.
October 28, 2024 03:28 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
containers_exports_trade
Retail Industry
U.S. Agriculture Faces Growing Trade Deficit, USDA Projects a Record Ag Trade Deficit in 2024
USDA forecasts agricultural exports at $173.5 billion and imports at a record $204 billion for a projected record trade deficit of $30.5 billion.
October 09, 2024 03:34 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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