Overview

A Grain Marketing Specialist is responsible for managing inbound inventory and marketing grain procurement services and programs offered by their company to producers, agents and other potential customers.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Buy grain in and around your designated trade area
• Conduct calls on current and potential producers to ensure customers are fully informed about the programs and services offered by the company
• Ensure the existing customer base is maintained and increase volumes through the acquisition of new customers
• Market and administer contracting programs through direct calls on individual producers and/or at general meetings held for producers
• Collaborate with other grain merchandising staff or sales staff to create and position risk management solutions for producers and members
• Create, adjust, and manage strong sales plans
• Provide pricing contract administration
• Provide timely information of schedules, pricing, contracts, grower information and competitor activity
• Provide excellent customer service to producers
• Remain up to date on industry trends and news
• Attend various industry tradeshows

What education and training is required?

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree (bachelor’s is preferred) in agribusiness, marketing, agricultural economics, logistics, or agronomy is required. Some licensure may also be required.

To pursue a career as a Grain Marketing Specialist:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, biology, business courses, computer courses and mathematics.

Where can I work?

Grain marketing specialists can work for large grain companies, smaller elevators and cooperatives, commodity marketers, or agricultural risk management programs.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a grain marketing specialist will be good over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Grain and Feed Association
• North American Export Grain Association
• Transportation, Elevator, and Grain Merchants Association
• National Agri-Marketing Association