Gipp new hire for DALS

Retiring State Representative Chuck Gipp, a Republican from Decorah, has been hired for a position in the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.  Gipp, who had served as House Majoiity Leader — running debate in the Iowa House of Representatives — announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election.  Read the news release below.

NORTHEY ANNOUNCES HIRING OF CHUCK GIPP AS NEW DIRECTOR OF DIVISION OF SOIL CONSERVATION

Will Lead Department’s Efforts to Prevent Soil Erosion and Protect Water Quality

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has hired Chuck Gipp as the new Director of the Division of Soil Conservation.

The Division of Soil Conservation is responsible for administering state programs and providing leadership to farmers, landowners, communities and others to promote the protection and management of soil, water and mineral resources.  The Division also assists Soil and Water Conservation Districts and private landowners to meet their agricultural and environmental protection needs.

“The Division of Soil Conservation makes up nearly half of the Department and I’m very confident the Chuck will provide strong and visionary leadership as we continue to address the conservation issues and opportunities facing the state,” Northey said.  “Both his experience as a state legislator and an actively engaged farmer in Northeast Iowa will benefit both the Division and the farmers they partner with.”

"I’m extremely excited by this opportunity with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship," Gipp said.  "I’ve worked in agriculture as a farmer and in the dairy industry, so I look forward to now helping other farmers expand their conservation efforts."

Gipp has been a member of the Iowa House of Representatives since 1991, serving House District 16, and retired following the 2008 legislative session.  While in the legislature he served as Majority Leader from 2002 to 2006 and Majority Whip from 1995 to 1999.

He has also been managing partner of A-G Swiss Farms, Inc., a diversified farm that he operated with his brothers near Decorah, IA.  They specialized in the breeding and milking of registered Brown Swiss dairy cattle.

During his time there, they implemented extensive conservation practices on their 640 crop acres that they used to grow corn and alfalfa hay.

“Iowa is lucky to have such a great group of employees within the Division of Soil Conservation that work very hard to advance conservation both on the farm and in town,” Northey added.  “With a new Division Director onboard I’m confident that we be able to continue serving Iowans and take new steps to protect the land and water that are so very important to this state.”

Northey, a corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are the opportunities in renewable energy, conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture.