Farmers' purchasing characteristics, reasons for choosing suppliers, and purchasing strategies were different for fertilizer, fuel, feed, and pesticide purchases of 100 commercial sized farmers. With fuel, few price discounts were received and few supplier changes made. More price adjustments and supplier changes occurred with fertilizer and pesticide purchases. Distribution systems influenced feed purchases. Fertilizer and pesticide purchases with quantity discounts or supplier negotiations were twice as large. Large farmers have more purchasing options. Cooperatives were valued as business organizations. Farmer purchasing strategies affect cooperatives and other supply organizations.