MOUNT OLIVE — Today, Alan Johnson helps guide national strategy for a portfolio of agricultural products used by farmers across the United States. As a National Product Manager for BASF, the University of Mount Olive alumnus works with teams across the country to support growers and strengthen one of the world’s largest agricultural businesses. Yet Johnson’s journey into agribusiness leadership began far from corporate offices, on a farm in the rural community of Mount Olive where his passion for agriculture first took root.
Johnson grew up in an environment where agriculture was not just an occupation but a way of life. The experience left a lasting imprint. “Growing up on a farm taught me what hard work really means,” Johnson said. “It also taught me the importance of community and having a strong set of values. Agriculture is the backbone of eastern North Carolina, and being surrounded by it gave me a passion for making sure farmers and rural communities can continue what they do for generations.”
That passion eventually led Johnson to the University of Mount Olive, where he enrolled in 2017 after graduating from Spring Creek High School. He chose UMO largely because of its respected agriculture program and the people behind it. “The faculty in the agriculture department really stood out to me,” he said. “Dr. Sandra Maddox, who was Dean of the College of Agriculture at the time, played a big role in my decision. UMO has a strong reputation in the agriculture industry, but just as important was the ability to build real relationships with professors.”
Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education in the fall of 2020, becoming the first in his immediate family to graduate from college. His younger sister, Abigail, would soon follow the same path. “It meant a lot to my family,” Johnson said. “My parents always encouraged us to be prepared and ready to take on the world, and education was a big part of that.”
Looking back, Johnson says his time at UMO helped shape the skills and perspective that continue to guide him in his career. “UMO really challenged me to think differently and adapt,” he said. “The hands-on nature of the agriculture program helped shape how I approach problems today. In my job, I spend a lot of time advocating for ideas, educating others, and working across teams, and those are all skills that were strengthened during my time at UMO.”
Several faculty members played key roles in his development, including Dr. Heather Glennon, Michelle Spence, and Dr. Stephen Edwards. Johnson says one mentor, however, had a particularly lasting impact. “Dr. Maddox pushed students to be their best,” he said. “She expected a lot from us, but she also genuinely cared about helping us succeed. She challenged me to grow professionally and personally, and she’s still someone I turn to for advice.”
Outside the classroom, Johnson remained connected to the agricultural leadership programs that had shaped him earlier in life. After serving as North Carolina State FFA President before coming to college, he stayed active through Collegiate FFA and UMO’s Young Farmers and Ranchers. “It was a great opportunity to give back to local FFA programs and stay connected to students who shared the same passion for agriculture,” he said.
Johnson’s career with BASF, one of the world’s largest agricultural companies, began while he was still a student at UMO. Through a series of summer internships, he gained his first exposure to the scale and complexity of the global agricultural industry. “I had never seen a company operate at that level before,” Johnson said. “But what stood out was that, even as an intern, I felt like my work mattered. The projects we were working on were all connected to helping farmers succeed.”
After graduation, Johnson joined BASF full time through the company’s Collegiate Professional Development Program. The program included rotations in marketing and field sales, giving him a broad look at how the business operates. “It allowed me to learn the organization from the ground up,” he said. “You’re not just thrown into a role. You get the chance to understand the industry, the agronomy side of the business, and the people involved.”
Today, in his job as a National Product Manager with BASF, Johnson oversees a portfolio of agricultural products sold across the country. His work focuses primarily on specialty crops such as citrus in Florida and grapes and almonds in California. “These crops operate in a very different market than traditional row crops,” he explained. “They tend to require higher input costs and more labor, and market conditions can change quickly. That means you have to stay close to the growers and be ready to adjust strategy.”
His schedule reflects the national scope of the job. Some weeks involve traveling to meet with field sales teams and customers across the country, while others are spent working at BASF’s corporate offices in Research Triangle Park in Durham. Alongside his growing career, Johnson continued to pursue education. While working full time, he recently completed a dual master’s program earning a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and an MBA through Indiana University.
“There were a lot of late nights and a lot of coffee,” he said. “Balancing work, travel, and school pushed me in ways I hadn’t experienced before. But it also taught me discipline and helped me become more analytical in the way I approach business decisions.”
The program also connected him with agricultural professionals from around the world, broadening his perspective on the industry. “One thing I realized is that agriculture may look different from region to region or country to country, but the people working in it share the same purpose,” Johnson said. “Everyone is working to make sure farmers succeed and that people have access to food and fiber.”
Looking back, Johnson says one of his proudest professional accomplishments came while working as a sales representative in western Kentucky and Tennessee, where he helped introduce a new soybean seed brand and build one of the company’s strongest territories. “The relationships with growers in that region are what I remember most,” he said. “Helping them succeed was incredibly rewarding.”
As he continues to grow within the industry, Johnson hopes to eventually move into leadership roles where he can mentor others. “I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career,” he said. “One day I hope to do the same for others and help them reach their professional goals.”
For students at the University of Mount Olive who hope to enter the agribusiness field, Johnson believes one habit can make all the difference. “Build your network early,” he said. “Go to conferences, take internships, and meet people in the industry. Agriculture is a big field, but it’s also a small world where relationships matter.”
From the farm fields of Mount Olive to national agribusiness leadership, Johnson’s story reflects the power of strong roots, meaningful mentorship, and a willingness to keep learning.
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