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Career Details : Purchasing Agents and Buyers, Farm Products

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Description

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Negotiates contracts with farmers for production or purchase of agricultural products such as milk, grains, and Christmas trees.
  • Inspects and tests crops or other farm products to determine quality and to detect evidence of disease or insect damage.
  • Maintains records of business transactions.
  • Estimates production possibilities by surveying property and studying factors such as history of crop rotation, soil fertility, and irrigation facilities.
  • Writes articles for publication.
  • Coordinates and directs activities or workers engaged in cutting, transporting, storing, or milling products and in maintaining records.
  • Advises farm groups and growers on land preparation and livestock care to maximize quantity and quality of production.
  • Plans and arranges for transportation for crops, milk, or other products to dairy or processing facility.
  • Arranges sales, loans, or financing for supplies, such as equipment, seed, feed, fertilizer, and chemicals.
  • Reviews orders and determines product types and quantities required to meet demand.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Deal With External Customers
    • Objective or Subjective Information
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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