Jim Wiesemeyer

From Farm Bill uncertainty to shifting trade alliances and rising political polarization, today’s agricultural policy landscape is more complex—and more consequential—than ever. In this fast-paced and insightful keynote, Jim Wiesemeyer delivers a no-nonsense look at what’s happening inside Washington and what it means for producers, agribusiness leaders, and rural America.

Drawing on decades of experience covering presidential administrations and USDA leadership, Jim connects the dots between elections, legislation, and real-world farm profitability. He breaks down the latest developments in farm programs, ​energy policy, regulatory trends, tax policy, and trade negotiations—while offering an informed perspective on what’s likely to happen next.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how policy decisions are being made, where the risks and opportunities lie, and how to position their operation or organization for what’s coming next in U.S. agriculture.

Energy policy is no longer a separate conversation from agriculture—it is agriculture. From biofuel mandates and tax credits to fertilizer costs and global energy markets, today’s policy decisions are directly shaping farm income and long-term demand.

In this timely and practical presentation, Jim Wiesemeyer unpacks how evolving U.S. energy policy—including renewable fuel standards, clean fuel tax credits like 45Z, and year-round E15 debates—is influencing commodity markets, input costs, and rural economies.

He explains how Washington’s push for energy independence and emissions reduction is creating both opportunity and uncertainty for agriculture, while highlighting the political forces driving these decisions.

With clear insights and real-world implications, Jim helps audiences understand where energy policy is headed—and how producers and agribusinesses can position themselves to benefit in an increasingly energy-driven agricultural economy.

Agriculture is now on the front lines of global geopolitics. From U.S.–China tensions and shifting trade flows to disruptions in key regions impacting energy and commodity markets, global events are influencing prices faster—and more dramatically—than ever before.

In this eye-opening keynote, Jim Wiesemeyer explains how international policy decisions, geopolitical conflicts, and economic alliances are directly affecting U.S. agriculture. Recent market movements driven by geopolitical events—not weather—highlight just how interconnected the world has become.

Jim breaks down what’s happening behind the headlines and what it means for exports, input costs, and long-term competitiveness. He also provides perspective on how global relationships may evolve—and what that means for U.S. farmers and agribusiness leaders.

This session equips audiences with the insight needed to navigate uncertainty and make smarter strategic decisions in an increasingly globalized ag economy.

What happens at the ballot box will ripple through every acre of American agriculture. In this engaging and straight-talking keynote, Jim Wiesemeyer breaks down the upcoming election landscape and what it means for producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.

With unmatched access to Washington insights, Jim evaluates key races, policy agendas, and the political forces that will influence decisions on the Farm Bill, energy policy, trade, and regulation. He cuts through the noise to explain what’s realistic, what’s political rhetoric, and what’s likely to become law.

From shifts in Congressional power to the direction of federal agencies, this session provides a practical look at how election outcomes will impact profitability, risk, and long-term strategy in agriculture—giving audiences the clarity they need to plan ahead with confidence.