Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey dies

Iowa’s former Secretary of Agriculture has died.

Bill Northey died at age 64. Funeral arrangements are pending and a cause of death has not been released.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released a statement following the news of Northey’s death. “I am in shock at the news of Bill’s unexpected passing. Jaime and I send our deepest and sincerest condolences to Cindy and the entire Northey family.”

“Bill was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a farmer. 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.”

“As Secretary, he had a tremendously positive impact on our state and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, but his influence went well beyond our borders. Whether it was on issues like soil conservation, water quality, renewable energy, foreign animal disease preparedness or trade, Bill was respected nationally and internationally. Bill was smart and people looked toward his leadership on every issue he focused on.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) also released a statement. “Today 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. The Northey family have been friends of the Grassleys since 1980, for over two generations. Our prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately and remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Northey’s funeral and internment. “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,” said Reynolds. “Bill understood well our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and exemplified that calling throughout his career. But his life’s greatest role was as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bill will be missed. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Cindy and their family.”

Northey earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Iowa State University and an MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University. He served as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture for 11 years, from when he was first elected in 2007 until 2018 when he left to join the USDA in Washington, DC. He was confirmed as Under Secretary on February 27, 2018. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters.

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