Jim Wiesemeyer, a policy analyst for Pro Farmer, met with AgWeb to offer his predictions for agricultural policy in the United States as the new year ramps up.

He anticipates Rep. Glenn Thompson, the newly elected House Ag Committee Chairman, will push for a new farm bill, noting that important issues such as climate change and food stamps weren’t addressed in the recently passed omnibus bill. According to Wiesemeyer, Rep. Thompson is working toward a bill that addresses critical needs for farmers, ranchers and foresters.

Wiesemeyer also believes a decision on the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) will be handed down this year. Whether it will be what the majority hoped for, he indicates, is yet to be seen.

Read more on his 2023 forecast.