Iowa officials released statements yesterday (Monday) memorializing former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey following his death at the age of 64. Northey served as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture from 2007 to 2018 before leaving the position to become Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during the Trump Administration. Gov. Kim Reynolds says, “Bill was a great leader whose work ethic and passion for Iowa agriculture was unmatched. Iowans and farmers around the country were fortunate to have such a rock-solid advocate and friend. Bill understood well our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and exemplified that calling throughout his career.” Sen. Chuck Grassley says, “The Iowa farm community lost a giant. Bill Northey was a dear friend and fierce advocate for the family farmer. As Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture and Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the United States Department of Agriculture under President Trump, Bill’s commitment to agriculture, biofuels and conservation were unmatched.” Sen. Joni Ernst released a similar statement, saying, “Throughout his career as a farmer, leader in key agriculture organizations, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary, he was a steadfast advocate for the producers that feed and fuel our world. He helped establish Iowa as a national leader on key initiatives including ethanol and the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, while always remaining grounded and connected to his family farm in Dickinson County. I was thankful to work with him closely during my time in the Iowa Senate and the U.S. Senate on the issues that matter most to our farmers.” Current Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “He loved Iowa, and he loved Iowa agriculture. His curiosity, care for others, and love of learning made him a leader that everyone could admire. Bill brought a farmer’s work ethic to every aspect of his life, and he was tireless in promoting our state, its people, and our agriculture.” State Auditor Rob Sand says, “Bill Northey always treated people with kindness and, despite disagreements, I never doubted his commitment to public service or his love for the state we both called home.”
