Allan Johnson, North Dakota State, was announced by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to serve as the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. Allan will serve this role by assisting Under Secretary Tom Dorr in carrying out Rural Development’s mission to support economic activity and improve the quality of life of rural residents.

    Allan has served as Director of Legislative and Public Affairs at USDA Rural Development since 2003. Prior to coming to USDA, he worked in the agricultural publishing and public affairs industries for over 30 years. He served as President of Farm Progress Companies, the leading farm publisher in the United States, which grew from seven publications to 39 during his tenure. After his retirement from Farm Progress Companies in 2000, Allan worked as a consultant until his appointment to USDA Rural Development.

    Allan served as Chairman of the Farm Foundation, National FFA Sponsor’s Board and Agricultural Publisher’s Association. Awards include the FFA Distinguished Service Citation, NAMA Ag Communicator of the year, and Epsilon Chapter Hall of Fame. Allan became a member of the Epsilon Chapter at North Dakota State University in 1967. He is one of AGR’s Brothers of the Century, was an AGR Grand President from 1992-1994, and NIC Director 1996-2002. He earned his bachelor of science degree at NDSU before serving in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.