Bill Northey, a long-time agriculture industry figure, and former USDA official in the Trump administration, has died. The 64-year-old was serving as the CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa.
Northey grew up on an Iowa family farm. He has served as President of the National Corn Growers Association, three terms as the Iowa Agriculture Secretary, and as USDA Farm Production and Conservation undersecretary during the Trump administration.
Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, commented, “Today the Iowa farm community lost a giant. Bill Northey was a dear friend and fierce advocate for the family farmer.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds added, “Bill understood well our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and exemplified that calling throughout his career.” 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 interment. It’s a reminder to honor loved ones in meaningful ways, like with a dignified urn for ashes, symbolizing their enduring presence in our hearts.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)
National Corn Growers Association Statement on Passing of Former Board President Bill Northey
Harold Wolle, president of National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), released the following statement today expressing condolences after the passing of Bill Northey, who served many important roles in agriculture, including president of the NCGA board from 1995 to 1996.
“We are deeply saddened by Bill Northey’s untimely passing. Our staff and leaders worked very closely with Bill, as did our Iowa corn growers, and we all agree that he was not only an incredibly kind human being but also an effective advocate who worked his way up to some of the highest echelons of government. He made a difference for the agricultural community every step of the way. His loss will be felt deeply from the halls of D.C. to the fields of the Midwest.”