Occupation

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Human Advantage 73%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.6 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.

Also Known As: Agriculture Industry Coordinator, Agriculture Industry Specialist, Buyer, Buying Agent, Cattle Broker, Cattle Buyer, Cattle Dealer, Cattle Shipper +78 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Purchase, for further processing or for resale, farm products, such as milk, grains, or Christmas trees.
  2. Arrange for processing or resale of purchased products.
  3. Negotiate contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.
  4. Arrange for transportation or storage of purchased products.
  5. Maintain records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.
  6. Review orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.

Supplemental Tasks (6)

  1. Examine or test crops or products to estimate their value, determine their grade, or locate any evidence of disease or insect damage.
  2. Coordinate or direct activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and maintaining records.
  3. Sell supplies, such as seed, feed, fertilizers, or insecticides, arranging for loans or financing as necessary.
  4. Advise farm groups or growers on land preparation or livestock care techniques that will maximize the quantity and quality of production.
  5. Calculate applicable government grain quotas.
  6. Estimate land production possibilities, surveying property and studying factors such as crop rotation history, soil fertility, or irrigation facilities.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
77%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
8%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
8%
Some College Courses
7%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Google Angular
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • SAP software
  • Salesforce software

Software (22)

  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Deltek Costpoint
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP system
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Inventory management systems
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Product producer databases
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (10)

  • 10-key calculators
  • Bulk weighing systems
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital micrometers
  • Grain testers
  • Laptop computers
  • Livestock scales
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Precision rulers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Purchasing & Warehousing Supply Chain & Transportation

Zone 4
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products You are here

Strategic Sales Supply Chain & Transportation

Zone 2
Telemarketers 77% match
Zone 4
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products You are here

Resume Builder

Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products positions.

Related Occupations

Show all 20 related occupations

Real Talk

Hear from real Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Productss about their work: