1. Agricultural Careers Livestock Broker By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Career Resources Livestock Marketing Association 10510 NW Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153 Internet: http://www.lmaweb.com National Institute for Animal Agriculture 1910 Lyda Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42104-5809 Internet: http://www.animalagriculture.org National Livestock 2501 Exchange Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73108 Internet: http://www.nationallivestock.com National Livestock Producers Association 660 Southpointe Court, Suite 314 Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Internet: http://www.nlpa.org National Grange Of The Patrons Of Husbandry 1616 H Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Internet: http://www.nationalgrange.org