*The broad career category of Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products includes a position as a Livestock Commission Agent. The information on this page may not specifically apply to this career title but will generally apply to all careers in this category. Farm product buyers and purchasing agents’ responsibilities include purchasing farm products for processing or resale. includes tobacco buyers, grain traders, grain brokers, and tree farm contractors. May negotiate contracts.
- Earn a high school diploma. For many employers, a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for livestock agent jobs. …
- Consider a degree. …
- Gain experience. …
- Develop skills. …
- Join a professional association. …
- Tailor your resume.
What do livestock agents do?
To facilitate the purchase of livestock, livestock agents frequently serve as a point of contact between a seller and their client. These professionals typically perform the following tasks, though their duties may change depending on the local agricultural industry:
What is a livestock agent?
A livestock agent, also referred to as a livestock buyer, is a member of the agricultural industry who oversees the purchasing and selling of farm animals like cattle, chickens, or pigs. They represent their clients, which may be farmers, ranchers, meat processing facilities, or other businesses that utilize animal products. They make purchases for clients while visiting various auctions to evaluate the livestock’s condition and quality. To help them advise their clients about which livestock to buy, these agents closely monitor market trends.
Work environment for livestock agents
Many livestock brokers are independent contractors who work exclusively for farm owners or managers as their clients. Others work for businesses like food production companies or grocery stores that acquire livestock for their operations. These agents might travel frequently as part of their job to go to auctions for their customers. When they attend auctions or meet with clients who may want to meet in the evenings or on weekends, their work hours may change. While inspecting livestock, livestock agents spend the majority of their time outside. They also do some office work, such as writing reports and looking into market trends.
Average salary and career outlook for livestock agents
The steps you can take to become a livestock agent are as follows:
1. Earn a high school diploma
For many employers, the minimum educational requirement for jobs as livestock agents is a high school diploma. Take a variety of courses in high school, such as biology, mathematics, animal science, and business, to help prepare you for a career in this field. You can learn more about agriculture, food, and natural resources by enrolling in one of the agricultural programs offered by some high schools. If you decide to pursue a degree, joining these programs can also improve your college applications.
2. Consider a degree
While many jobs as a livestock agent don’t require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, some employers, like food production companies, may. Gaining a degree can assist you in learning more about agricultural processes and in building the business management skills you’ll need to succeed as a livestock agent. A degree in agronomy, animal science, agricultural business, or a related field is typically chosen by livestock agents. You can anticipate taking classes in a variety of subjects to get ready for a career in the agricultural industry while completing these programs. Some examples of courses you may take include:
3. Gain experience
Gaining experience with livestock will help you learn how to assess their quality, so it’s beneficial. Some livestock agents may have this experience as a result of growing up on an animal-filled family farm. Others may find entry-level employment assisting nearby farmers or ranchers. Look for positions that require you to interact with animals on a daily basis, such as farmworkers, for internships or apprenticeships. You can learn more about animal husbandry, which is the practice of raising and breeding farm animals for food production or other purposes, through this experience.
4. Develop skills
There are numerous abilities that can help you succeed as a livestock agent. Building relationships with farmers or haggling over animal sale prices are two tasks that can be performed with the aid of some of these soft skills. Find local workshops or online courses to help you hone some of these skills. Some skills that you can work to develop include:
5. Join a professional association
Despite not being required to work as a livestock agent, joining a professional agricultural association has many advantages. Your professional network can be expanded by joining these groups, which can help you find employment or get professional references. Many organizations provide training programs or certifications that can aid in your acquisition of new skills. Your resume may also help you stand out from other applicants if you list your association membership. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and the American Society of Animal Science are two organizations you might want to join.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
6. Tailor your resume
Update your resume once you’re prepared to apply for livestock agent positions to reflect your pertinent qualifications and experience. To pass an applicant tracking system (ATS), go over the job description and use some of the same keywords on your resume. Put your relevant work experience front and center on your resume so that hiring managers can see that you meet the requirements for the position. Include any relevant coursework you took to prepare for a career as a livestock agent if you are a recent graduate. Verify that the skills you list on your resume correspond to those in the position description.
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FAQ
What states have livestock agents?
Twelve states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Texas—hold elections for the position of agriculture commissioner.
How do I become a livestock agent in Australia?
To work in this position, you must have a Certificate III, which must include at least 2 years of on-the-job training, a Certificate IV, or at least 3 years of relevant experience. Even with a degree, it may still be necessary to have additional experience or receive on-the-job training. Registration or licensing may be required.
How much does a livestock agent make in Montana?
Livestock Agent salaries currently average between $32,093 (25th percentile) and $68,137 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $98,750 annually in Montana, despite ZipRecruiter seeing salaries as high as $108,626 and as low as $16,294.
How do I become a livestock agent in Texas?
- U.S. citizen.
- Excellent physical condition.
- Outstanding record with at least five (5) years of experience in the law enforcement field, including criminal forensics.
- Hold an active peace officers license.
What is a livestock agent law enforcement Montana?
Although there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a livestock agent, having experience with farm management and livestock as well as a tertiary degree in agriculture, business, or farm management are advantages. A driver’s licence is usually required.
