How to become a Farm Products Buyer or Purchasing Agent

Official title: Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Also called: Buyer, Cattle Buyer, Grain Buyer, Grain Market Advisor, Grain Marketing Advisor, Grain Merchandiser, Grain Origination Specialist, Produce Broker, Purchasing Agent, Tobacco Buyer

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.

Main tasks

• 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.

How to become one

Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor's degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Licence: A licence is required in 13 states.

Pay · Outlook

• About 516,100 people work in this job now, and about 547,000 are projected by 2035. (+6%)

Related jobs

• Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
• Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
• Human Resources Specialists
• Farm Labor Contractors
• Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
• Business Continuity Planners

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Farm Products Buyer or Purchasing Agent?

Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor's degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience.

Is a Farm Products Buyer or Purchasing Agent a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 516,100 to about 547,000 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Farm Products Buyer or Purchasing Agent?

Not always. 43% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.