Northey says he would consider USDA post

DES MOINES - Fresh from a meeting with the president and USDA secretary, Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey says he is willing to join them in Washington if presented the right opportunity.

'I don't know what role that might be,” Northey said after meeting with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Tuesday at the White House. 'I certainly would love to work with him as Iowa secretary of ag. If there is another job that is offered, I would be very willing to consider that as well.”

Northey made clear there has been no offer, but there might be jobs that would appeal to him if the experience and the difference he could make made them worthwhile, Northey told reporters Wednesday.

Northey was mentioned as a candidate for governor if Gov. Terry Branstad didn't seek re-election in 2018. However, he was quick to pledge his support to Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds when it became clear Branstad would be leaving midterm to become ambassador to China.

He thought about, but didn't run for an open U.S. Senate seat in 2014. Northey has kept his options open whenever asked about opportunities beyond the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Taking a post with the USDA could involve giving up his farm interests.

'I love living in Iowa. I love being here close to family and close to the farm,” he said. If he was offered a USDA job, 'that absolutely would be part of the consideration.”

Whatever job he's doing, Northey is looking forward to working with Perdue.

'So whether it's working with him from here or working with him there … we will work very closely together,” he said.

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