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.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: Unknown
Annual job openings: 52 200
Direct AI exposure: 6% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 44% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Procurement and Purchasing Agents and Officers. According to the wage tables, average income is $75K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $51K per year | $60K per year | $75K per year | $95K per year | $120K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $10K above the national average. | ||||
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.
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.
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.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.