Additional Information
There is no formal path towards becoming a livestock buyer, although many
colleges and universities offer courses in animal marketing.
Some high schools, colleges and universities in the United States also
field livestock judging teams. The Future Farmers of America and 4-H also
offer programs that teach children how to judge livestock.
But the only way you can learn livestock buying is by working on feedlots,
by working on ranches, and by being around animals, says livestock buyer Don
Kracke.
"You really have to like livestock," he says. "That has to be a priority
for you."
On the other hand, it doesn't hurt if you have a degree in marketing and
computer science because the industry is constantly changing, says Kracke.
He holds a degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska.
You may also have to get a license, and put up a line of credit.
License requirements vary in the United States. But each livestock buyer
in the U.S. has to register with the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard
Administration.