The tributes began pouring in as soon as the shock wore off Monday when the news broke that former Iowa Agriculture Secretary and USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey had died at the age of 64.
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) where Northey served as CEO shared the news of his passing. “The state of Iowa, and all of agriculture, has lost a great leader who has left his mark on future generations and will be greatly missed. Bill was a tireless advocate for agriculture and a beloved leader for the entire AAI staff and organization.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said in a statement that his family has been friends with the Northeys for over two generations.
“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,” said Grassley.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also mentioned his decades-long friendship with Northey and his family in his statement, noting they had just lost his father Wayne Northey recently. “Bill’s colleagues, the Iowa agriculture community, and so many who knew him will feel the absence of such a passionate, knowledgeable and devoted leader for a long time to come,” said Vilsack.
Funeral arrangements are pending and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags to be at half-staff until Northey is buried.
“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. “Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Cindy and their family.”
Northey served as Iowa ag secretary for 11 years, from 2007 to 2018, before becoming USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation under President Trump. A fourth-generation farmer, Northey was president of the National Corn Growers Association in the mid-1990s.