Ag Industry Mourns Death of Bill Northey
On Monday, February 5 the news of Bill Northey’s passing quickly spread through the agriculture industry, of which he dedicated his professional life to serving.
Most recently as CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI), Northey was also previous Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and served as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at USDA from 2018 to 2021.
Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags be flown at half staff.
“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 Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, “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.”
Naig continued, “Bill was a friend and mentor to so many people here in Iowa and across the country, including me. This is an incredible loss for our state, for agriculture, and for everybody who knew and loved Bill.”
Northey was a member of the National Association of State Directors of Agriculture, and the organization’s president from 2011 to 2012.
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said, “Bill Northey was my good friend as he was to so very many others. We have lost a titan in U.S. agriculture. All of NASDA expresses sorrow for his loss and our love and support go out to his wife Cindy and his family. As a lifelong leader in the industry, Bill had an immense depth of knowledge and experience that he shared to benefit all of agriculture.”
Others posted to social media:
American ag lost a tremendous servant and leader today with the passing of @BillAtUSDA. Former Iowa Secretary of Ag Northey dedicated his life to advancing the health and prosperity of family farms and rural communities. We extend our deepest condolences to the Northey family. pic.twitter.com/VwcXDWvWdz — Corteva U.S. (@CortevaUS) February 6, 2024
All of us at the Renewable Fuels Association were saddened to learn of Bill Northey’s passing, and we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. Bill was a passionate and tireless advocate for agriculture and renewable fuels. He dedicated his career… pic.twitter.com/ASFC9DRkPG — Renewable Fuels Association (@EthanolRFA) February 5, 2024
Agriculture lost a tireless champion, defender and promoter.
Iowa Farm Bureau's statement on the passing of former Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey ⬇️https://t.co/xpCWs8Q8hn — Iowa Farm Bureau (@IowaFarmBureau) February 5, 2024
From our President & CEO, Matt Carstens:
The State of Iowa and the greater agricultural community lost a true champion of ag, farmers, and rural communities with the untimely passing of Bill Northey. As the Secretary of Agriculture, he advocated for farmers and farm families.… — Landus (@LandusAg) February 6, 2024
