Farm Purchasing Agent

Your Fit

Income

$54K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Farm Purchasing Agent?

A Farm Purchasing Agent is responsible for buying farm products such as livestock, crops, and agricultural equipment for resale or processing. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage the procurement of quality products at optimal prices.

Sample job titles:

Buyer, Grain Buyer, Grain Merchandiser, Purchasing Agent

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Farm Purchasing Agent.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Farm Purchasing Agent earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$43K per year	$54K per year	$60K per year	$73K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.53K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Farm Purchasing Agent do?

Work environment

Farm Purchasing Agents often work in a variety of settings, including offices, farms, and agricultural markets. Their role may require traveling to meet with farmers and suppliers, and they often split their time between negotiating deals, assessing products, and managing logistics.

Quick task list

Evaluates and selects suppliers and products.
Negotiates contracts and terms with suppliers.
Ensures the quality and timely delivery of purchased items.
Monitors market trends and prices.
Manages budgets and maintains records of purchases.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Livestock Procurement: Specializing in the purchase of animals for meat, dairy, or breeding purposes.
Crop Acquisition: Focusing on the procurement of grains, fruits, vegetables, and other crops.
Agricultural Equipment Purchasing: Concentrating on the procurement of farm machinery and tools.
Organic Product Sourcing: Specializing in the purchase of organic and sustainable farm products.
Export and Import: Handling international purchasing and understanding global market trends.

Description

Farm Purchasing Agents play a critical role in the agricultural industry by ensuring that quality products are acquired for processing or resale. They must have a good understanding of the agricultural market, including knowledge of various farm products and equipment. This role involves keen negotiation skills to secure the best prices and terms from suppliers, and an ability to forecast market trends to make informed purchasing decisions.

Strong interpersonal skills are important, as these agents often communicate with farmers, suppliers, and internal teams. They must balance cost-effectiveness with quality, ensuring that the products purchased meet the required standards. Time management and organizational skills are also crucial in managing multiple contracts and suppliers.

The work of a Farm Purchasing Agent is dynamic and can be influenced by seasonal changes and market fluctuations. It requires an adaptable approach and an understanding of the complexities of the agricultural supply chain. Agents must also be aware of legal and regulatory requirements related to agricultural purchases.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the success and efficiency of the agricultural sector.
The challenge of negotiating and securing the best deals.
Building relationships with farmers and suppliers and understanding their needs.

You might make a good Farm Purchasing Agent if you are...

Skilled in negotiation and able to secure favorable terms.
Knowledgeable about agriculture and different types of farm products.
Good at building relationships and communicating with various stakeholders.
Organized and able to manage multiple contracts and tasks.
Interested in market trends and economic factors influencing agriculture.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a dynamic and vital sector.
Interaction with diverse groups, from farmers to corporate executives.
Potential for high job satisfaction through successful negotiations and contributions to the agricultural community.

Cons:

Possible irregular hours and extensive travel.
Pressure to maintain profitability and quality in a fluctuating market.
Need to constantly update knowledge about agricultural products and market trends.

How to become a Farm Purchasing Agent

Typical education

Typically, a bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, or a related field is required, amounting to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional experience in the agricultural sector can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Agricultural Science to understand basic farming principles and products.
Business Studies to learn about negotiation, contracts, and economics.
Environmental Science to appreciate sustainable farming practices.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining Future Farmers of America (FFA) or similar clubs.
Participating in debate clubs to hone negotiation and communication skills.
Volunteering at local farms or agricultural fairs to gain practical experience.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, or a related field.
Seek internships in agricultural companies or farms for hands-on experience.
Attending workshops or short courses on negotiation, supply chain management, and agricultural technology.

More resources

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) - Offers information on agricultural education and careers.
Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) - Provides resources on agricultural economics and market trends.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) - A youth organization that promotes agricultural education.
AgCareers.com - A job portal with resources and listings for careers in agriculture.

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