Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Buyers and purchasing agents for farm products procure crops and agricultural goods either for processing or resale. They work for grain companies, food processors, agricultural cooperatives, and commodity trading firms. This role involves evaluating product quality, negotiating prices and contracts with farmers and suppliers, and managing supply chains to meet client needs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against buyers and purchasing agents, farm products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves inspecting grain shipments or produce at farm sites or facilities, reviewing market prices and commodity reports, and communicating with farmers and processors about availability and pricing. Buyers negotiate purchase agreements, track inventory levels, and coordinate logistics for product delivery. They may attend agricultural markets or trade shows and analyze harvest forecasts to time purchases strategically.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who enjoy organizing business deals and following established procedures. If you like analyzing data, negotiating terms, and making decisions based on market conditions while working within industry standards, you'll find this role engaging.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $93,040 | $124,090 | $144,680 | 1,880 |
| New Jersey | $75,030 | $93,250 | $116,430 | 12,180 |
| Maryland | $68,370 | $90,900 | $123,300 | 8,900 |
| Virginia | $65,100 | $89,210 | $120,390 | 22,120 |
| Rhode Island | $66,570 | $86,240 | $91,260 | — |
| Massachusetts | $66,400 | $85,970 | $115,230 | 12,820 |
| Washington | $68,820 | $85,130 | $108,240 | 15,400 |
| Colorado | $66,500 | $83,590 | $105,390 | 10,080 |
| Alaska | $66,750 | $83,460 | $106,870 | 890 |
| Connecticut | $65,350 | $83,030 | $102,890 | 5,530 |
| Delaware | $67,150 | $82,920 | $100,660 | 1,400 |
| California | $66,150 | $82,720 | $107,490 | 48,010 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against buyers and purchasing agents, farm products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.