An Iowa Supreme Court Justice swore in Iowa’s new Secretary of Agriculture, half an hour after former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey resigns from the post.
Justice Mark Cady Monday swore in Mike Naig as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Naig says he looks forward to serving Iowa as Agriculture Secretary.
?Today has been one of mixed emotions,? Naig said. ?We send Bill Northey off to Washington, D.C. We?re excited about that opportunity for him; he?ll do a great job at USDA. (I?m) very excited, thankful for the opportunity the Governor has given me to serve in this role and appreciate her confidence in me. I?m excited to hit the ground running and make sure we stay on track with things at the Department of Agriculture through this transition period.?
Naig will work to ensure things run smoothly at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). He also hopes to build on the momentum surrounding water quality and the modernization of the Department of Agriculture.
?First things first – we want to make sure we have a smooth transition and stay on track with the mission of the department which is protecting consumers, protecting our resources and promoting Iowa,? Naig said. ?That?s what we want to focus on first, and (then) make sure we?re doing the right thing for our customers, stakeholders and employees as we move through this transition.”
Naig says he would not be in this position, if it were not for Bill Northey.
“Bill, I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for you bringing me on board a little over four years ago,” Naig said. “I’m thrilled for your opportunity at USDA and proud to call you a friend. I’ve learned a lot working beside you these last several years.”
United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will swear in Bill Northey as Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at Tuesday evening’s Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner.
