Jay Johnson was raised in rural northern Illinois where he learned the significance that agriculture had on the national economy and the viability of rural America. He furthered his early education in agriculture through 4-H with his primary projects being breeding and raising of show cattle.

He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Agricultural Business in 1983 and was a member of the inter-collegiate livestock judging team.

Upon graduation from college, Jay began his career with the United States Department of Agriculture in South Saint Paul, Minnesota with the Packers and Stockyards Administration. After two years, he was promoted and transferred to Washington, DC where he spent 13 years culminating with his final position as Director of the Packer and Poultry Division.

In 1998, the Packers and Stockyards Program reorganized and Jay moved to Des Moines to establish and become the director of the Midwestern Regional Office. This office is responsible for all Packers and Stockyards functions in the 12 state upper Midwest region and all hog issues on a national basis.

Jay and his wife Cindy have been married for 24 years and have three children, Cory, Clara and Curtis. The Johnson's raise and show club lambs as well as show performance Quarter horses.