Agricultural Careers

Livestock Broker

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• During slow seasons, a broker may visit farms and fairs, judging shows and purchasing livestock. • Evaluate livestock conditions to establish prices.• Keep records on all livestock purchased.• Advise producers on livestock management practices and the flow of the market.• Represent the meat packers in purchasing livestock.• Watch the market for trends and for changes in supply and demand.

Qualities and Skills• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time• Ability to work in various weather conditions• Capable of handling stress• Strong communication skills • Enjoy working outdoors and with animals• Organized and analytical • Must be able to make good judgment under pressure

Salary

Salary is not based on experience, but on an individual’s ability to buy or sell livestock. A beginner may start out at a wage of $7 per hour until they are earning enough commission to make a living. Commission is determined by the dollar value of the animal which is based on the animal’s weight. Brokers usually make between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, but more knowledgeable brokers with established reputations can earn more than $100,000 per year.

Work Environment

• Most work is done outdoors in sales barns and auction arenas• Surroundings may be noisy, dirty, or smelly• A work week is typically 40 hours but varies

Becoming a Livestock Broker

• Take college preparatory classes in high school, including as many agriculture classes as possible.• Participate in livestock related contests and activities, such as livestock judging within the National FFA Organization and 4-H.• Participate on a debate or speech team to increase your ability to communicate logically and clearly.• Work a part-time or summer job in a stockyard or on a farm.

Career ResourcesLivestock Marketing Association10510 NW Ambassador DriveKansas City, MO 64153Internet: http://www.lmaweb.com

National Institute for Animal Agriculture1910 Lyda Avenue   Bowling Green, KY 42104-5809Internet: http://www.animalagriculture.org

National Livestock2501 Exchange Avenue

Oklahoma City, OK 73108Internet: http://www.nationallivestock.com

National Livestock Producers Association660 Southpointe Court, Suite 314

Colorado Springs, CO 80906Internet: http://www.nlpa.org

National Grange Of The Patrons Of Husbandry 1616 H Street NW

Washington, DC 20006Internet: http://www.nationalgrange.org