Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig has named Julie Kenney as deputy secretary of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, beginning today. “Julie has a passion for agriculture and will be a tremendous asset to the department,” Naig said in a statement. “Her background and experience are a natural fit.” Kenney spent 15 years in agribusinesses in marketing and communications for private industry and agricultural associations and checkoff programs. Kenney and her family also own and operate a corn and soybean farm in Story County. Kenney grew up on the Kock family crop and livestock farm near Lohrville.