How do I find a feed store for sale near me?

A feed store is a retail business: a storefront that sells bagged feed, fencing, animal health products and farm basics to the people nearby. It is not a feed mill, which makes feed in a plant. Because the trading area is usually rural and the owner is often well known locally, the best leads rarely come from one place. Plan to work several routes at the same time.

Where feed stores get listed

Start with business-for-sale websites and broker listings, and search several wordings: feed store, farm supply, agricultural retail and country store. Listings are often described in general terms and may not name the town. Save your searches and set alerts. Brokers who work with rural and agricultural businesses may also know of owners who are thinking about selling before a listing appears.

Retiring owners and local approaches

Many feed stores are owner-run for a long time, and the owner may be close to retirement without a successor. A short, respectful letter or visit can open a conversation. Say who you are, what you are looking for and that you will keep it confidential. Suppliers, equipment dealers, veterinarians and your accountant may also hear when an owner is ready to talk.

Screening before you call

• Is the store a retailer, a mill or a dealer, and does that match what you want?
• Does it depend on a few large farm customers or on many small ones?
• Which supplier lines does it carry, and can they be kept after a sale?
• Does the owner also own the building, or lease it?

Before you go further

Once a store looks right, ask for financial statements and an inventory summary under a confidentiality agreement. Our page on what to check before buying a farm supply store lists what to look at next, and the hardware store search page shows a similar approach for another rural retailer.