Bill Northey
Feb 06, 2024
USA Rice extends condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Bill Northey, who passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2024.
Northey was a passionate advocate for agriculture and an instrumental architect of many U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs benefiting U.S. rice farmers and the industry as the Under Secretary for Farm Programs and Conservation during the previous administration.
Most recently, he was CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. He also served 11 years as the Iowa Agriculture Secretary and was a former president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture prior to his time at USDA.
"Bill was not only a good friend but also a mentor during my time at USDA,” said USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann. “He had a magical way of connecting with farmers from every corner of the country and led by example in seeking fair and reasonable ways to implement programs and support American farmers and ranchers during his time as Under Secretary. He will be sorely missed by not only Iowans but his colleagues and friends all over."