Statement of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Nomination Hearing for the Honorable William M. Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Thursday, October 5, 2017
 
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
 
It is my honor to introduce Bill Northey, Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, to this committee.
 
He has been nominated to serve as Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the Department of Agriculture.
 
Bill has served as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture since 2006.
 
During his tenure, he has focused on soil conservation and helping develop the robust renewable energy industry we have in Iowa today. He has also dealt with crises such as the outbreak of High Path Avian Influenza, which occurred in 2015.
 
Secretary Northey understands agriculture. He is a fourth generation farmer from Spirt Lake, Iowa, where he raises corn and soybeans. He appreciates the ins and outs of farming and what it’s like to put your life savings on the line every year to grow a crop in rural America that will feed and fuel the world.
 
Secretary Northey has served on the Iowa Farm Service Agency committee and was president of the National Corn Growers Association from 1996-1997.
 
He has also travelled the world visiting over fifteen countries to promote U.S. agriculture.
 
Secretary Northey graduated from Iowa State in 1981 with a degree in Agribusiness and has an MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University.
 
Perhaps his most important quality is the vision he has shown leading the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. As an example, Bill was focused on water quality issues in Iowa years before many farmers and press outlets became engaged.
 
I cannot think of anyone better equipped to ensure our nation’s farm programs are properly administered than Secretary Northey.
 
We’re lucky to have someone of his capability ready to lead the agencies he will be responsible for. 
 
Secretary Northey, welcome to the Senate Agriculture Committee. 
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