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 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.

“Today, the Iowa farm community lost a giant,” said Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). “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.

Then-USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey and Iowa Secretary Mike Naig in 2020. Photo credit Iowa Agriculture