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
NY: High Cost of Eggs Due to Supply Shortage from Bird Flu Continues
Ag Policy
Trump Administration Announces $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Soaring Egg Prices
The plan, announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, dedicates up to $500 million to help poultry producers implement biosecurity measures and up to $400 million in financial relief for farmers whose flocks are affected by avian flu.
February 26, 2025 09:28 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
NY: Egg Prices Remain High Due To Bird Flu Outbreak/avian flu
Industry
As the Trump Administration Shifts Strategy on Avian Flu, it’s a Complicated Issue in Need of a Long-Term Solution
USDA is working to get more eggs into the supply chain in the short-term, but U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says a team is focused on coming up with a long-term strategy to combat avian flu.
February 25, 2025 08:36 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
A Mexican cattle broker looks at a group of spayed heifers before they cross the U.S.-Mexico border at Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
Industry
USDA Maintains Cattle Imports Amid Second New World Screwworm Case in Mexico
APHIS emphasizes new protocols in place to monitor for the pest before cattle enter the U.S.
February 20, 2025 08:35 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Chicken
Industry
Trump Administration Shifts Strategy on Avian Flu
Spearheaded by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the plan prioritizes enhanced biosecurity measures and medication to control the spread of the virus and moves away from mass culling of infected flocks.
February 16, 2025 06:38 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
DC: Nomination Hearing for Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture
Ag Policy
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 12:17 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?
Ag Policy
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 03, 2025 06:39 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House
Ag Policy
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 03, 2025 06:36 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Inauguration ceremony for Trump's second presidential term
Ag Policy
Trump 2.0 Inauguration: An Update
Trump agenda | Delay in China tariffs | Dollar tumbles | Biden issues family pardons | Vilsack criticizes EPA report on biofuels | Putin open to dialogue on Ukraine with Trump | Buller chief of staff at USDA
January 21, 2025 08:22 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Close-up of New World Screwworm
Ag Policy
More Action Needed By Mexico Before Reopening Border for Feeder Cattle Imports, Says Vilsack
Outgoing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack sent a letter to Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture acknowledging the progress made in reopening cattle trade between the two countries following the detection of New World Screwworm, but says more action is needed to resume trade.
January 19, 2025 02:54 PM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
Close-up of New World Screwworm
Industry
APHIS Increases Import Restrictions on Animal Products from Mexico on Confirmed Case of New World Screwworm
New World Screwworm is a serious veterinary pest that can cause severe damage to livestock and wildlife populations. The detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico and the subsequent USDA actions may have significant implications on trade and travel.
November 25, 2024 08:42 AM
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Jim Wiesemeyer
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