– Bill Northey former Iowa agriculture secretary
– Bill Northey USDA undersecretary.
Bill Northey, Former Iowa Agriculture Secretary, Dies at 64
Northey praised for commitment to public service and farmers
Former Iowa agriculture secretary and U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary, Bill Northey, has passed away at the age of 64. In honor of his contributions to public service and farmers, Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff.
Northey, a Spirit Lake Republican, served as secretary of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship from 2007 to 2018. During his tenure, former President Donald Trump appointed him as the undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the USDA, a position he held until 2021. Prior to his government roles, Northey was the chief executive officer for the Agribusiness Association of Iowa in Des Moines.
Governor Reynolds expressed her condolences, stating, “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.”
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig expressed shock at the news of Northey’s passing. Naig highlighted Northey’s positive impact on various issues, including soil conservation, water quality, renewable energy, foreign animal disease preparedness, and trade. Naig said, “This is an incredible loss for our state, for agriculture, and for everybody who knew and loved Bill.”
During his time at the USDA, Northey played a vital role in customer-facing aspects such as crop insurance, conservation reserve, farm loans, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. In a 2019 interview, he discussed the importance of proving that cover crops reduce the risk of loss so that farmers who implement this conservation practice can receive a discount on crop insurance.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, a long-time friend of the Northey family, praised Bill’s commitment to agriculture, biofuels, and conservation. He stated, “Bill Northey was a dear friend and fierce advocate for the family farmer.”
State Auditor Rob Sand, the lone Democrat in state office in Iowa, also spoke highly of Northey, emphasizing his commitment to public service and love for the state. Sand sent his heartfelt condolences to Northey’s wife, Cindy, and their three children.
Flags will remain at half-staff until the sunset of the day of Northey’s funeral, the details of which have not yet been announced.
Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com
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– Bill Northey, former Iowa agriculture secretary and USDA undersecretary, passes away at 64
– Former Iowa agriculture secretary and USDA undersecretary Bill Northey dies at the age of 64.
