Occupation Profile for Purchasing Agents and Buyers, Farm Products

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale.

About 43 percent are employed in wholesale trade or manufacturing establishments.
Some firms prefer to promote existing employees to these positions, while others recruit and train college graduates.
Employment is projected to have little or no job growth.
Opportunities should be best for those with a college degree.

Core — Negotiate contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.
Core — Maintain records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.
Core — Purchase for further processing or for resale farm products such as milk, grains, and Christmas trees.
Core — Arrange for processing and/or resale of purchased products.
Core — Arrange for transportation and/or storage of purchased products.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.