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.”

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