Leading Executives in Feed and Seed Stores
Hal Lawton
President & Chief Executive Officer, Tractor Supply Company
President & CEO since January 2020, Lawton launched the “Life Out Here” strategy and guided Tractor Supply through a period of rapid growth; his contract was extended to 2026.
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Steve Barbarick
President & Chief Executive Officer, Rural King
Former Tractor Supply president/COO, Barbarick now leads Rural King as President & CEO, accelerating store openings and digital initiatives across the Midwest and Southeast.
Alex Melvin
Owner & Chairman, Rural King
Third‑generation owner credited with Rural King’s expansion; remains the company’s owner while professional leadership runs day‑to‑day operations.
John Schaefer
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fleet Farm
Retail veteran who took the helm in 2019; Schaefer has led Fleet Farm’s continued expansion and HQ consolidation in Appleton, WI.
Mark Hasting
Chief Executive Officer & President, Blain’s Farm & Fleet
Promoted to CEO & President in June 2024 following a four‑year succession plan; now leads the family‑owned chain into its 70th year.
Jane Blain Gilbertson
Executive Chair & Owner, Blain’s Farm & Fleet
Long‑time leader who became sole owner in 2014; moved to Executive Chair in 2024 while retaining ownership and strategic oversight.
Torrey Wingert
Chief Executive Officer, Bomgaars
CEO who led the acquisition of 73 Orscheln locations, taking Bomgaars to ~180 stores across 15 states.
John Bowersox
Chief Executive Officer, Wilco (farmer‑owned cooperative)
Appointed CEO effective January 2024; brings Fleet Farm and True Value experience to lead Wilco’s 25+ farm stores and ag divisions.
Tom Yearsley
Chief Executive Officer, C‑A‑L Ranch Stores (combined with Coastal Farm & Home)
Leads the combined C‑A‑L Ranch + Coastal Farm & Home business as CEO, creating a 50+ store Western U.S. farm & ranch retailer.
Rick Ungersma
President & Chief Executive Officer (Owner), Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
Owner‑operator who has served as President & CEO for decades, expanding Murdoch’s footprint and distribution capabilities across the Mountain West.
Brian Atwood
Chief Executive Officer, Atwoods Ranch & Home
Family‑run chain’s chief executive leading growth across OK, TX, AR, MO and KS while maintaining small‑town service DNA.
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Dennis Reed
Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Runnings
Owner & CEO since 1988; under the Reeds, Runnings expanded from 8 to 50+ stores and continues acquisitions across the Midwest.
Steve Becraft
Chief Executive Officer, Southern States Cooperative
Veteran ag‑retail operator named CEO in 2021; driving the cooperative’s retail and wholesale turnaround across the Southeast.
Shannon Huff
Chief Executive Officer, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC)
33‑year TFC veteran and former CFO; appointed CEO to steer one of the nation’s largest federated farm supply co‑op systems.
Bob Huffman
President & Chief Executive Officer, MFA Incorporated
Became President & CEO on September 1, 2025, succeeding Ernie Verslues; brings dairy co‑op leadership to one of the Midwest’s largest farm supply cooperatives.
Mark Schmitt
President & Chief Executive Officer, D&B Supply
Long‑time D&B leader who rose from controller to CEO; oversees the Idaho/Oregon farm & ranch chain’s growth and new formats.
Al (Alan) Fansler
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Family Farm & Home
Co‑founder and long‑time leader of the Michigan‑based chain; under Fansler family stewardship the retailer has expanded across the Great Lakes region.
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Blake Mills
Chief Executive Officer, Family Center Farm & Home
Leads the Missouri‑based Family Center Farm & Home chain, expanding assortment and stores serving rural communities.
Del Matteson
Chief Operating Officer & Co‑Owner, L&M Fleet Supply
Second‑generation owner‑operator serving the Upper Midwest; as COO & co‑owner, Matteson drives merchandising and store operations for the farm, outdoor and hardware chain.
Seth Estep
Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer (TSC), Tractor Supply Company
As EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer since 2020, Estep shapes product strategy for the nation’s largest rural lifestyle, feed and seed retailer.
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