Iowa’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Karey Claghorn, was appointed to the position in January of 2007 by Bill Northey, Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture.

Karey grew up on a Livestock farm near Bloomington, Indiana.  She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Consumer Science Education. 

For the next 15 years Karey worked for Marsh Supermarkets.  As the Manager of Training and Development, she helped develop protocol and training programs for food safety for both supermarkets and convenience stores.  Growing up Karey had an understanding of production agriculture and then working with consumers gave a greater insight of the entire food chain.

Continuing with her passion for agriculture, Karey began working with national livestock associations, developing marketing programs, managing livestock sales and working with member services. 

Karey has traveled world wide to learn more about different farming practices and see first hand the importance of trade to agriculture.  She most recently has traveled to the Asian countries of China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Philippines with Beef and Pork producers.

Karey lives with her husband Alan on a farm in rural Warren County where they produce hay and have a small cow-calf operation.  They are also actively involved in raising thoroughbreds.  They have 3 children, of which the youngest is a freshman at the University of Iowa.