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

Gregg Doud's negotiations with China’s vice minister of agriculture on an agricultural trade agreement included 33 sessions over the course of a year.

Trade Relations Between the U.S. and China Just Got Even More Complicated

China’s Commerce minister expressed concerns over trade and tech restrictions to U.S. Senate Majority Leader this week. That’s as the U.S. Commerce Department added 42 more Chinese companies to the export blacklist.

October 10, 2023 02:28 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Hamas-Israel War Gets U.S. Lawmakers’ Attention; May Impact House Speakership Vote

The attack on Israel by Hamas adds urgency to GOP efforts to elect a new House speaker. The need to focus on Israel may help get a House GOP leadership decision this week, several lawmakers said.

October 09, 2023 08:45 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

The Government Didn’t Shut Down, And That’s Good News For The Farm Bill

With the government funding in place for now, work on a new farm bill can continue, with the same questions (timing, funding, Title 1 reform, etc.) still being unanswered.

October 02, 2023 09:47 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

How Will A Looming Government Shutdown Impact Agriculture?

When the House and Senate returns on Tuesday, lawmakers will have just five days left to avoid a shutdown, which would impact several USDA services, including key reports.

September 25, 2023 01:01 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Is Corteva Now Beating Out Bayer? Company’s Market Share Surges On Soybeans

A fierce competition is unfolding in the American soybean market, with Corteva, a spin-off of DowDuPont, gaining ground against industry leader Bayer.

September 21, 2023 04:27 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

FILE PHOTO: A view shows oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo

Crude Awakening: Rising Oil Prices Complicate Fed’s Rate-Hike Decisions

As brent crude futures soar toward $100, it’s creating a new battle in the Federal Reserve’s effort to fight inflation. One money manager warns another rate hike is likely.

September 20, 2023 04:16 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Young corn plants - lake - pond - water - WOTUS - sunset - scenic - By Lindsey Pound 2

WOTUS Meetings on the Calendar with New Recommendations in Tow

EPA has been asked to exclude ditches from the definition of federal waters, include wetlands when they can’t be distinguished from navigable waters, and erase the independent interstate waters and wetlands category.

July 25, 2023 02:51 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Latin America Boosts Imports of U.S. Corn

According to a new report by USDA, ag imports from Latin America and the Caribbean have increased over the past 12 years, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%.

July 24, 2023 02:22 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

New Farmland Bill Would Create a Public Database for Foreign Land Ownership

The Farmland Security Act of 2023 seeks to further boost transparency in foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

July 21, 2023 10:07 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Farm Bill 2023 Draft is Expected by Mid-September

House Ag Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, along with other members, is seeking additional funding sources for the bill, but that will likely be the biggest farm bill hurdle that may trip up lawmakers.

July 20, 2023 12:40 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer