Occupation AtlasBuyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
O*NET · 13-1021.00
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
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.
Also called Buyer · Buying Agent · Cattle Broker · Cattle Buyer · Chicken Buyer · Clean Rice Broker · Cotton Buyer · Cotton Purchasing Agent
35 more
Cow Buyer · Egg Buyer · Farm Buyer · Farm Product Purchaser · Farm Products Purchasing Agent · Fruit Buyer · Fur Buyer · Grain Broker · Grain Buyer · Grain Market Advisor · Grain Marketing Advisor · Grain Merchandiser · Grain Origination Specialist · Grain Purchasing Agent · Hide Buyer · Hog Buyer · Horse Buyer · Livestock Broker · Livestock Buyer · Livestock Commission Agent · Livestock Dealer · Livestock Purchasing Agent · Livestock Speculator · Livestock, Grain, Cotton and Other Farm Products Purchasing Agent · Produce Broker · Produce Buyer · Produce Shipper · Purchasing Agent · Purchasing Buyer · Purchasing Specialist · Seed Buyer · Stock Buyer · Tobacco Buyer · Wheat Buyer · Wool Buyer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ECREnterprising · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- E Enterprising4.91
- C Conventional4.80
- R Realistic4.56
- I Investigative1.85
- S Social1.74
- A Artistic1.08
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (37%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (44%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (43%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- NegotiationImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Service OrientationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- InstructingImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
6 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Purchase, for further processing or for resale, farm products, such as milk, grains, or Christmas trees.Importance 4.5
- Negotiate contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.Importance 4.3
- Maintain records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to companies or government agencies as necessary.Importance 4.1
- Review orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.Importance 3.8
- Arrange for transportation or storage of purchased products.Importance 3.6
- Coordinate or direct activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and maintaining records.Importance 3.5
Show the other 3
- Arrange for processing or resale of purchased products.Importance 3.6
- Examine or test crops or products to estimate their value, determine their grade, or locate any evidence of disease or insect damage.Importance 3.2
- Estimate land production possibilities, surveying property and studying factors such as crop rotation history, soil fertility, or irrigation facilities.Importance 2.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Food ProductionImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
- Sales and MarketingImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- TransportationImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- English LanguageImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- BiologyImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- GeographyImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- PsychologyImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- PhysicsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- MechanicalImportance 1.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level 0.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level 0.3Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.9
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.3Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.1Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 5.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Processing InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
21 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (7)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- SAP softwarehot
- Purchasing software
Hot (7; 6 more marked hot above)
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Atlassian JIRA
- Google Angular
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Database
- Salesforce software
Other tools (7)
- Deltek Costpoint
- Enterprise resource planning ERP system
- IBM Lotus Notes
- Inventory management systems
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Product producer databases
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion +0.9, Instructing +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Online Merchants
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +1.1, Quality Control Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −0.7, Operation and Control −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Insurance Underwriters
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.2, Management of Material Resources −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Material Resources −1.1, Programming +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.9, Management of Material Resources −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Negotiation −1.0, Troubleshooting +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Order Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Financial Resources −1.2, Management of Material Resources −1.1
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.