Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

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Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Careers / Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Agronomy Manager

2.	Almonds Grower Representative

3.	Any Commodity Buyer

4.	Buyer

5.	Buying Agent

6.	Cattle Broker

7.	Cattle Buyer

8.	Cattle Dealer

9.	Cattle Producers

10.	Cattle Shipper

11.	Cattle Trader

12.	Cattleman

13.	Chicken Buyer

14.	Christmas Tree Contractor

15.	Clean Rice Broker

16.	Commodity Manager

17.	Contract Agent

18.	Contracts Specialist

19.	Cotton Agent

20.	Cotton Broker

21.	Cotton Buyer

22.	Cotton Converter

23.	Cotton Factor

24.	Cow Buyer

25.	Cream Buyer

26.	Crop Supervisor

27.	Dairy Specialist

28.	Dealer

29.	Egg Buyer

30.	Elevator Attendant

31.	Elevator Operator

32.	Farm Contractor Buyer

33.	Farm Marketer

34.	Farm Product Purchaser

35.	Farm Products Shipper

36.	Feed and Grain Elevator Manager

37.	Feed Department Manager

38.	Feed Salesperson

39.	Field Contact Person

40.	Field Contact Technician

41.	Field Contractor

42.	Fish Agent

43.	Flour Broker

44.	Food Broker

45.	Fruit Buyer

46.	Fruit Shipper

47.	Fur Buyer

48.	Grain Broker

49.	Grain Buyer

50.	Grain Division Manager

51.	Grain Elevator Man

52.	Grain Elevator Worker

53.	Grain Merchandiser

54.	Grain Origination Specialist

55.	Grain Shipper

56.	Grain Trader

57.	Hide Buyer

58.	Hog Buyer

59.	Hog Trader

60.	Horse Buyer

61.	Horse Trader

62.	Import Coordinator

63.	Importer

64.	Importer Exporter

65.	Internal Wholesaler

66.	Livestock Broker

67.	Livestock Buyer

68.	Livestock Commission Agent

69.	Livestock Dealer

70.	Livestock Speculator

71.	Livestock Trader

72.	Livestock, Grain, Cotton and Other Farm Products Purchasing Agent

73.	Marketing Manager

74.	Merchandise Worker

75.	Merchandiser

76.	Merchandising Manager

77.	Operations Manager

78.	Oyster Buyer

79.	Oyster Shipper

80.	Peanut Procurer

81.	Poultry Buyer

82.	Procurement Manager

83.	Procurement Specialist

84.	Produce Broker

85.	Produce Buyer

86.	Produce Shipper

87.	Purchasing Agent

88.	Purchasing Coordinator

89.	Purchasing Specialist

90.	Raw Products Director

91.	Resident Buyer

92.	Sales Manager

93.	Seed Buyer

94.	Shipper

95.	Stock Buyer

96.	Stock Dealer

97.	Stock Shipper

98.	Stock Trader

99.	Tobacco Buyer

100.	Trader

101.	Walnuts Field Buyer

102.	Wheat Buyer

103.	Wheat Shipper

104.	Wool Buyer

Job Tasks

	Examine or test crops or products to estimate their value, determine their grade, or locate any evidence of disease or insect damage.

	Purchase, for further processing or for resale, farm products such as milk, grains, or Christmas trees.

	Negotiate contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.

	Arrange for processing or resale of purchased products.

	Coordinate or direct activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and maintaining records.

	Arrange for transportation or storage of purchased products.

	Review orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.

	Maintain records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.

	Calculate applicable government grain quotas.

	Sell supplies, such as seed, feed, fertilizers, or insecticides, arranging for loans or financing as necessary.

	Estimate land production possibilities, surveying property and studying factors such as crop rotation history, soil fertility, or irrigation facilities.

	Advise farm groups or growers on land preparation or livestock care techniques that will maximize the quantity and quality of production.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		locate sources of supply for purchasing

		obtain information from individuals

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		resolve agricultural production problems

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.


		inspect merchandise to determine value

		inspect crops to determine quality

		determine wholesomeness or grade of products

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze financial data

		analyze test data

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		make presentations

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.


		negotiate business contracts

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use spreadsheet software

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.


		inspect crops or fields

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		compute financial data

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		maintain records, reports, or files

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use interpersonal communication techniques

		use local or regional geographical knowledge to transportation

		use knowledge of written communication in sales work

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.


		develop budgets

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		write descriptions of agricultural products

		write news stories for publication

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		identify crop characteristics

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.


		arrange for financing

		arrange delivery schedules

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents
	Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents buy a vast array of farm products, durable and nondurable goods, and services for companies and institutions. They attempt to get the best deal for their company—the highest quality goods and services at the lowest possible cost. They accomplish this by studying sales records and inventory levels of current stock, identifying foreign and domestic suppliers, and keeping abreast of changes affecting both the supply of, and demand for, needed products and materials. Purchasing professionals consider price, quality, availability, reliability, and technical support when choosing suppliers and merchandise. To be effective, purchasing professionals must have a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents
	Most purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents work in comfortable offices. They frequently work more than the standard 40-hour week, because of special sales, conferences, or production deadlines. Evening and weekend work also is common before holiday and back-to-school seasons for those working in retail trade. Consequently, many retail firms discourage the use of vacation time during peak periods. Travel is sometimes necessary. Purchasers for worldwide companies may even travel outside the United States.

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Interesting Fact

There are more female than male millionaires in the U.S. -- a function of both increased earnings and longer life expectancy for women.

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