(Des Moines)– Former Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey has passed away at the age of 64. Northey, a Spirit Lake native, served as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture from 2007 to 2018. He then served as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2018-2021.
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement this (Monday) afternoon after Northey’s passing was announced: “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. 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.”
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley issued a statement describing Bill Northey as a dear friend and fierce advocate for the family farmer. He added that “Bill’s commitment to agriculture, biofuels and conservation were unmatched.”
The Governor has ordered all flags in Iowa be lowered to half-staff immediately and remain there until sunset of the day of Northey’s interment. That has not yet been set.
