Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products: Career & Application Guide

What do buyers and purchasing agents, farm products do?

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.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Buyer
Cattle Buyer
Grain Buyer
Grain Market Advisor
Grain Marketing Advisor
Grain Merchandiser
Grain Origination Specialist
Produce Broker

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

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.
Maintain records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.
Review orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.
Arrange for transportation or storage of purchased products.
Coordinate or direct activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and maintaining records.

Prepare an application for this occupation

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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