Kent Johnson
Since 1991, Kent Johnson has been President, CEO, and sole shareholder of Chemurgic Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. (Chemurgic) and Ag Production Company (AgPro).
Kent’s farming roots run deep. He is a fourth generation Stanislaus County farmer, born and raised in Turlock California. In 1976 he earned his Bachelor of Plant Science/Plant Pathology degree at UC Davis, following up two years later with a Master’s in Plant Protection and Pest Management.
Kent began his professional career with a crop protection and fertilizer business in Ripon, California, before taking a management position at Hughson Chemical Company. In 1982 he joined the Chemurgic staff as Sales Manager, and reshaped his new sales team on a steadfast policy of service first, integrity always, and solid agronomic advice that put the customer’s interests above all else.
In 1985. Kent was named Vice President and awarded stock in Chemurgic, an acknowledgement of the company’s successful market penetration and positive direction under his leadership. Kent orchestrated the company’s expanding role as an independent distributor and dealer of crop protection chemicals and commercial fertilizers, providing formulation, production of high-value micronutrient chelates and complexes, packaging, and warehousing on a service basis for distributors.
In 1987, the officers and shareholders of Chemurgic started Ag Production Company, and transferred the crop protection and fertilizer business to the new entity. Kent was named as President, and took over the direction of daily business activities.
Following a series of negotiated stock retirement packages with fellow shareholders in 1991, Kent became president of both Ag Production Company and Chemurgic Agricultural Chemicals Inc., and the sole shareholder in both companies.
To better meet the needs of customers, Kent convinced the Union Pacific Railroad in 1999 to invest in a one million dollar upgrade on a 2.7 mile branch line exclusively serving Chemurgic and Ag Pro. Kent enlisted the help of his two sons who physically laid 2500 feet of rail inside the plant.
In 2000, Kent oversaw the construction of a new, 1 million gallon liquid fertilizer terminal, solidifying Chemurgic in the rail-to-truck warehousing business. He guided the company through further expansions over the next decade, securing warehousing contracts with Great Salt Lakes Corporation, and the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. Today, the facility receives, transfers, or sells over 42,000 tons of fertilizer by rail.
Kent brings his years of experience to bear on every aspect of plant operations, and fulfills every role one would expect of a CEO in a small, closely held corporation. Whether dealing with staff, suppliers, business affiliates, or customers, Kent’s genial business style keeps things moving forward in a positive fashion.
Kent remains vested in crop management issues through active participation in the industry, and the management of his own almond and walnut operations in Turlock and Modesto.
He is a long-time member and recent president of the Rotary Club of Turlock, and has served on the following boards.
- California Fertilizer Association • President 1996
- Haven’s Women Center • Board of Director 2007-2011.
- Western Plant Health Association • Chairman of the Board 2008
Recognitions:
1984 – Named by the California Fertilizer Association as “Industry Man of the Year.”
2010 – Honored with the “Harry J. Larsen, Integrity Award,” by the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA), a regional trade association covering California, Arizona and Hawaii.
Kent was invited in 2004 to join Independent Agribusiness Professionals (IAP) a group of independently owned dealers and distributors who collectively purchase products and negotiate with manufacturers on a national level.
Personal:
Kent and his wife, Ginger, are proud parents and grandparents of their three children and a five grandchildren. Ginger serves as the Associate Superintendent in charge of Educational Services with the Modesto City Schools system. Together, they are “Founder” level supporters of the Gallo Art Center, and contribute yearly in the “Circle of Friends” program.
Kent is a member of the Modesto Area Aquatic Club, the local chapter of US Masters Swimmers. He has twice competed in the annual race from Alcatraz to San Francisco, both times finishing in the top 30% of all competitors. Kent also enjoys skiing, fly fishing, and antique cars.
To reach Kent, call 209 634-2951
or email: kent@chemurgic.net