424510 - Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers
The agricultural supply chain plays a critical role in feeding the world, and understanding the classification of businesses within this sector is key for government contracting, market research, and industry analysis. NAICS Code 424510, representing Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers, provides a detailed framework for companies involved in the wholesale distribution of vital grains and field beans like wheat, corn, and soybeans. In this post, we'll explore what this NAICS code entails, the business activities it covers, typical industry examples, size standards, and address frequently asked questions.
What is NAICS Code 424510?
NAICS Code 424510 defines an industry composed primarily of establishments engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of grains and field beans. These businesses purchase raw agricultural commodities such as wheat, corn, soybeans, rice, and various dry beans, then sell them to processing companies, other wholesalers, or large end users.
This classification is vital for understanding the wholesale trade of bulk agricultural products and is used extensively in economic analysis, government contracting eligibility, and industry reporting.
Sector: Wholesale Trade
The Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers industry falls under the broad Wholesale Trade sector of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). This sector specializes in the selling or distribution of goods to retailers, industrial, commercial, institutional, or other professional business users.
Typical business activities in NAICS 424510 include:
- Grain wholesaling: Buying and selling bulk grains such as wheat, corn, and rice.
- Field bean distribution: Handling of soybeans and dry beans.
- Agricultural commodity brokerage: Facilitating transactions between producers and processors.
- Operating grain elevators: Providing storage and logistical support.
Size Standards for NAICS Code 424510
For government contracting and Small Business Administration (SBA) purposes, the size standard to qualify as a small business under NAICS 424510 is typically defined as having 200 or fewer employees. This standard helps determine eligibility for various federal small business programs and contracting opportunities.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 424510
- Grain wholesalers distributing bulk wheat and corn to mills and food manufacturers.
- Field bean distributors selling soybeans and dry beans to processors.
- Agricultural commodity brokers facilitating sales between farmers and industrial buyers.
- Grain elevator companies that purchase and store grains before resale.
NAICS Code 424510 - Code Details Table
| Product/Service Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Beans, dry inedible, merchant wholesalers | Wholesale distribution of dry, inedible beans |
| Corn, raw (except seed corn), merchant wholesalers | Bulk raw corn sales (excluding seed corn) |
| Dry beans, inedible, merchant wholesalers | Trade in various non-edible dried beans |
| Grain elevators merchant wholesalers | Companies operating grain storage facilities |
| Grain merchant wholesalers | Wholesale trade of grains like wheat and barley |
| Rice, unpolished, merchant wholesalers | Distribution of unprocessed rice grains |
| Soybeans merchant wholesalers | Wholesale of soybeans and related commodities |
| Wheat merchant wholesalers | Distribution of wheat across various markets |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What products are covered under NAICS 424510?
NAICS 424510 covers merchant wholesalers engaged in grains and field beans such as wheat, corn (excluding seed corn), soybeans, rice (unpolished), and various dry, inedible beans.
Who are the typical customers for Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers?
Typical customers include grain processors, food manufacturers, other wholesalers, livestock feed producers, and sometimes large retailers.
What type of businesses fall under NAICS 424510?
Businesses like grain wholesalers, field bean distributors, agricultural commodity brokers, and grain elevator operators.
What is the employee size standard for small businesses in this industry?
A small business under NAICS 424510 is generally defined as a company with 200 or fewer employees.
How is NAICS useful for government contracting?
Knowing the correct NAICS code ensures that businesses can identify applicable government contracts, comply with federal regulations, and qualify for small business programs.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 424510 — Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers — identifies key players in the wholesale agricultural marketplace, connecting grain and bean producers to processors and other customers. Understanding this industry classification is essential for businesses aiming to enter government contracting, market research, or expand their operations within the agricultural wholesale trade sector.
Whether you are a grain elevator operator, soybean distributor, or commodity broker, leveraging the insights of the NAICS system will help guide your business strategy and growth.
Keywords: NAICS 424510, Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers, grain wholesalers, field bean distributors, agricultural commodity brokers, wholesale trade, SBA size standards, grain elevator merchant wholesalers
