Grain Merchants

The employment of purchasing agents and buyers overall is expected to grow faster than the average through 2033, according to the Department of Labor. The DOL forecasts a decline in the employment of agricultural managers and farmers due to the increase in farm consolidations due to inefficiencies in crop production. As a result, grain merchants may also experience a decline in employment in the coming years. The populations of small agricultural communities are rapidly decreasing in some parts of the country, particularly in the Plains states. However, even though many of the grain elevators are closing in these areas as farmers look for more stable sources of income, grain is still in great demand around the world. Since grain must be evaluated for freshness and quality, it is not as easy to conduct transactions for this product electronically (as is the case with other commodities). Agribusiness professionals, consultants, and the U.S. government are all involved in increasing this demand by searching for new, efficient uses for grain. Scientific advances will also aid in the storage and processing of grain.

A number of issues affect the grain industry every year, and results are often difficult to predict. Grain production and sales are influenced by weather, planting seasons, and the overseas market. In addition, the technological development of genetically modified grains has led to increased production but also resulted in grain products that are impossible to sell in some markets. The railroad industry can also affect grain sales; if there aren't enough rail cars available to haul the grain away, elevators with limited storage and excess grain are forced to pile the grain on the ground. Decisions by government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency also determine the way grain merchants do business. Laws concerning emissions standards and storage facilities sometimes call for costly repairs and down time.

The best jobs will go to job-seekers with strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.