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
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico
Industry
Mexico’s Sheinbaum Pushes for USMCA Deal as Tariff Deadline Nears
Trump said Monday that his planned 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian exports to the U.S. “are going ahead on time, on schedule,” meaning the duties would take effect on March 4 at the conclusion of a one-month suspension.
February 25, 2025 01:01 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seen in Washington
Industry
USDA Releases Approximately $20 Million of Paused Inflation Reduction Act Funding That Had Been Under Review
Following White House directives, USDA is honoring existing contracts with farmers, releasing approximately $20 million for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
February 20, 2025 08:36 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs in Washington
Industry
Trump Moves to Impose Reciprocal Tariffs, And It Could Reshape U.S. Trade Policy
These customized levies, expected to be finalized by April, are designed to rebalance trade relationships and target unfair practices, including subsidies, regulations, and exchange rate manipulation.
February 14, 2025 09:06 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
DC: Nomination Hearing for Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture
Industry
Senate Overwhelmingly Confirms Brooke Rollins as 33rd Secretary of Agriculture
Rollins’ confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Trump’s key cabinet positions.
February 13, 2025 12:10 PM
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Tyne Morgan
While USMCA won't create many changes in agriculture, economists say it's what happens if USMCA isn't passed that could be detrimental to agriculture?
Industry
Canada, Mexico Hit Back with Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports
Following President Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Canada announced its own 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports. Mexico also announced its own retaliatory measures, but no specifics were unveiled as of Sunday morning.
February 02, 2025 07:55 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House
Industry
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
Senate Committee on Finance confirmation hearing on Scott Bessent's nomination to be secretary of treasury, on Capitol Hill in Washington
Industry
Treasury Nominee Bessent Defends Trump Policies in Testimony; Promises to Press China to Resume Ag Purchases in Phase 1 Agreement
Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent outlined a three-pronged approach to tariffs during his Senate testimony this week, including targeted tariffs, general tariffs as revenue generators and tariffs as a negotiation tool.
January 17, 2025 12:00 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling.jpg
Industry
FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling to Help Consumers Make Healthier Food Choices
This “Nutrition Info box,” a black-and-white design, will display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, categorized as “Low,” “Med,” or “High,” along with the percent Daily Value for each nutrient.
January 14, 2025 03:10 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
Industry
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 03:17 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Screenshot 2024-12-22 at 5.55.32 PM.png
Industry
Trump Continues to Build USDA Team, Names Stephen Vaden as Deputy Secretary
As the Trump administration prepares to return to the White House, these appointments signal a continuation of its previous agricultural policies and priorities, with experienced individuals who have both legal expertise and connections to the farming community.
December 24, 2024 08:32 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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