Iowa official register

6 

IOWA OFFICIAL REGISTER 

 

Lt. Governor Judge works closely with Governor Culver and plays an active role in their part-

nership of governance. Serving as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor, Lt. Governor 

Judge is responsible for overseeing all the state’s homeland security activities. This includes pro-

viding budget oversight and giving policy guidance on a wide range of homeland security issues 

and programs.   

Lt. Governor Judge keeps the Governor advised of issues regarding security in and around the 

state and works with other state agencies to ensure our government is ready for all hazards both 

natural and created. 

In addition, she works with the federal Homeland Security Department to make sure Iowa’s 

interests are known and understood around the country. 

Lt. Governor Judge has been one of our state’s loudest and proudest champions for renewable 

energy throughout her career. She continues that hard work as Lt. Governor as we look to the 

future and the new ideas and innovations it holds along the way to energy independence.  

Lt. Governor Judge is also actively involved in promoting the health and wellness of Iowa’s 

citizens. The Lt. Governor has created a Commission on Wellness and Healthy Living to gather 

input from Iowans and examine areas of concern and improvement in the areas of health and 

wellness.  

The Lt. Governor feels that the only way for our state to succeed is by embracing diversity in 

all its forms. She is committed to promoting an environment of inclusiveness to make Iowa an 

even more welcoming and inviting state. 

A life-long Iowa resident, Lt. Governor Judge has a long history serving the State of 

Iowa.  Prior to being sworn in as Lt. Governor, Patty Judge served two terms as Iowa Secretary of 

Agriculture.  Elected in 1998 and reelected in 2002, she was the first woman to serve in this posi-

tion.  

Lt. Governor Judge’s office adjoins the Governor’s on the first floor of the Iowa Statehouse.  

 

See chapter 4 for information regarding the Executive Office of the Governor and the Lieuten-

ant Governor. 

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7 

EXECUTIVE BRANCH ELECTED OFFICIALS 

 

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE 

Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines 50319; [phone]; 

www.iowaagriculture.gov 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BILL NORTHEY 

Secretary of Agriculture 

Spirit Lake (R) 

Term: Expires January 2011. Profession: Farmer, owns and operates a corn and soybean farm 

in rural Spirit Lake in Northwest Iowa; elected to first term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 

November 2006.  Education: Graduated from Iowa State University in 1981 with a degree in 

Agricultural Business and received a Master’s in Business Administration from Southwest Min-

nesota State University in 2004.  He graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1977. Member-

ships and Activities: Throughout his career in agriculture, Northey has been a leader in a variety 

of farm groups.  From 1995-96, he served as President of the National Corn Growers Association 

and was Chairman of the group in 1996-97.  He has led a number of committees for the Corn 

Growers, as well. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, E. Howard Hill, who served as 

president, Northey has also been active in the Iowa Farm Bureau.  He was named a “Friend of 

Agriculture” by the Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee in 2006 and has served in a 

number of Farm Bureau offices at the county and state levels, including serving as President, Vice 

President, and Committee Chairman of the Dickinson County Farm Bureau. Northey has also 

served on the Iowa USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee, was a Dickinson County Soil 

and Water Conservation District Commissioner, and was a board member of Ag Ventures Alli-

ance. While at Iowa State University, Northey was a member of Farm House Fraternity and 

served as President his senior year. The family is active in Faith Evangelical Free Church in Spirit 

Lake. Bill has served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and chairmen for various committees. 

Birth and Residence: Born in 1959 in Spirit Lake. Resides in Spirit Lake.  Family Members: 

Wife, Cindy; three daughters. 

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8 

IOWA OFFICIAL REGISTER 

 

The Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is elected by the people of Iowa every four years to lead the 

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.  Iowa is a national leader in agriculture, 

leading the nation in production of corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs, and the Secretary of Agricul-

ture is a spokesman for this vital industry. 

In addition, the Secretary leads the department, which is responsible for a wide range of pro-

grams that affect the quality of life of every Iowan, both those living on the farm as well as every-

one in our towns and cities, almost every day. 

As part of that responsibility, the department works with Iowa farmers who provide Iowa and 

the world with safe, abundant food grown in an environmentally responsible way.  The Division 

of Soil Conservation provides farmers with expertise and funds to help them install practices that 

preserve our highly productive soil, prevent erosion, and protect our critical waterways. These 

efforts make sure future Iowans can experience the same high quality of life that past generations 

have enjoyed in our state. 

The department assists farmers by monitoring and reporting cash grain prices and livestock 

auction market prices. The State Veterinarian within the department also runs screening programs 

and provides safeguards to protect the health of Iowa’s livestock. Surveillance and eradication of 

animal diseases is vital to keeping the state’s livestock healthy. 

The department also plays a vital role in consumer protection and in protecting public health. It 

tests animal feeds, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, meat, poultry, and dairy products to ensure public 

health and safety. It inspects dairy farms and plants, meat and poultry processing facilities, weight 

and measuring devices, and grain warehouses to ensure compliance with state regulations. The 

department strives for consumer safety and confidence in Iowa products. 

To support the continued growth in diversified agricultural production, the department pub-

lishes a variety of directories, including a list of farmers markets and commercial fertilizer li-

censes.  The department also houses the “Choose Iowa” program that includes a wide variety of 

Iowa-grown and Iowa-processed products. A statewide organic certification program within the 

department also assists Iowa organic producers in marketing their organically grown crops and 

livestock. 

The Secretary of Agriculture also participates in trade missions throughout the world to support 

expanding markets for Iowa agricultural products. 

 

See chapter 4 for information regarding the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

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