Iowa Farm Bureau President, Craig Hill, issued this statement following Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey’s, appointment as USDA undersecretary to lead the office of Farm Production and Conservation:

“For the past decade, Bill Northey has served admirably as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, and we wish him all the best in his new role with the USDA leading the newly-created office of Farm Production and Conservation.

Under the leadership of Sec. Northey, Iowa’s agricultural economy has grown and diversified, and Iowa continues to be recognized as a national leader in conservation.  Northey has been instrumental bringing new conservation opportunities and advocating for Iowa farmers seeking new and improved conservation practices on their farms.  Northey has received praise and accolades for spearheading Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy which has been held up as a model for states in the Mississippi River Watershed.   

Secretary Northey’s years of work improving water quality and conservation makes him extremely qualified to lead this new office within the USDA.  It’s important to have someone who truly understands agriculture in this important role, and Northey’s experience as a farmer, success leading the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), and strong work ethic makes him a great fit for the position. We look forward to working with him in his new role.”