Hog Buyer

Salary: $49,980 Annual Average (US Bureau of Labor and Statistics) Career Cluster: Marketing, Sales & Service Educational Requirements: 4 year degree within discipline Job Availability: Steady Growth Location of Jobs: All United States: Iowa and North Carolina are big producing states. Suggested High School/Collegiate Courses: Agriculture, biology, animal sciences, zoology, math, business, accounting and comput General Information: Hog buyers select and purchase swine for processing, breeding and feeding; they are typically employed by processing plants or individual clients. Career Information: A Hog Buyers' responsibilities include planning visits to as many as 12 farms per day to judge the weight and condition of animals that may be ready for sale, notifying farmers of new stock prices, and advising farmers about market trends, attending sales or stock auctions, sorting stockyard animals, and arranging the transport of animals. Hog Buyers must know how to deal effectively with people. Knowledge of sales techniques is also necessary. They need to know current market values and trends, as well as the approved standards for the sale of animals. They must be knowledgeable about stock farming, stock breeds and classes. An understanding of farm management may help them to decide the best time to approach farmers. Hog Buyers should have experience in swine selection, carcass grading and estimating weights of swine. They must determine "cut out"' value for total amount of meat product generated from swine, so as to increase income dollars from the sale of hogs. Working Conditions: In the field visiting production facitilities/farms. Skills Necessary: Mathematical, Analytical, Oral Communications, Interpersonal, Creative, Highly Motivated, Organizational, Motivational, Dependable, Patience, Adapts to Change, Team Player, Computer Skills, Written Communications, SelfMotivated, Leadership, Detail Oriented, Tactful, Works under pressure, Presentational, Responsible, Goal Oriented, Customer Service, Logical, Negotiating, Helps Others, Orderly Minded, Good Judgment, Determination, Confidence, Outgoing Personality, Motivational Related Careers: Account Executive, Advertising Manager, Aerial Crop Duster, Agricultural Association Executive, Agricultural Aviator, Agricultural Chemical Dealer, Agricultural Educator, Agricultural Equipment Dealer, Agricultural Extension Agent, Agricultural Extension Specialist, Agricultural Mechanics Teacher, Agriculture Instructor/FFA Advisor, Biotechnology Patent Agent, College Teacher, Horticulture Instructor