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Farm Products Purchasing Agent

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AVG. SALARY

$64,970

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What They Do

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products Career Video

About This Career

Purchases 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.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Agribusiness Systems pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Purchases, for further processing or for resale, farm products, such as milk, grains, or Christmas trees.
  • Arranges for processing or resale of purchased products.
  • Negotiates contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.
  • Arranges for transportation or storage of purchased products.
  • Maintains records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.
  • Reviews orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.
  • Examines or tests crops or products to estimate their value, determine their grade, or locate any evidence of disease or insect damage.
  • Coordinates or directs activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and maintaining records.
  • Sells supplies, such as seed, feed, fertilizers, or insecticides, arranging for loans or financing as necessary.
  • Advises farm groups or growers on land preparation or livestock care techniques that will maximize the quantity and quality of production.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Overnight travel
  • Overtime work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Buyer — Plans and selects a range of products to sell.
  • Grain Buyer
  • Grain Merchandiser
  • Grain Origination Specialist
  • Purchasing Agent — Purchases machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment.
  • Tobacco Buyer

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


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