Rural King is a farm and feed supply chain with locations across the Midwest and South
Rural King is a privately owned retailer that operates farm supply stores in roughly 100 locations, mostly in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and surrounding states. The stores sell feed for livestock and poultry, seed, fertilizer, tools, fencing, animal care products, and equipment for small farms and homesteads. They also carry some clothing, work boots, and household items. Unlike national chains, Rural King is regional — you will not find one in every state, and their inventory varies by location.
The company started as a feed mill in the 1950s and has grown into a chain, but it remains smaller and more locally focused than Tractor Supply or Atwood's. If you live near one, it can be a faster option than ordering online from a national supplier, especially for heavy items like feed bags or fencing that cost more to ship. If you do not live near a Rural King location, you will need to use a different supplier or order online.
Key Takeaways
- Rural King stores are located primarily in the Midwest and Upper South, with the highest concentration in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.
- The stores stock livestock feed, poultry feed, seed, fertilizer, fencing, tools, and animal care supplies, with inventory that varies by location.
- Rural King does not operate a national online store, so you must visit a physical location or contact your local store directly to order.
- Prices and product availability differ between locations, so calling ahead or visiting in person is often faster than assuming what is in stock.
Finding a Rural King location near you
Rural King does not maintain a searchable store locator on its website the way national chains do. To find the nearest location, you can visit ruralking.com and look for a store list, or call their corporate office to ask which stores serve your area. Some locations have Facebook pages where they post hours and current inventory.
Because Rural King is regional, you may live in a state where the chain does not operate at all. If that is the case, Tractor Supply, Atwood's, or local feed mills are the closest alternatives. Many rural areas also have independent feed stores that carry similar products and may have deeper local knowledge of what works in your region.
What you can buy at Rural King
Rural King's core inventory includes livestock feed (cattle, hog, horse, sheep), poultry feed (chicken, turkey, duck), and pet food. They stock bags of seed for gardens and small plots, bags of fertilizer and soil amendments, and fencing materials including wire, posts, and gates. The stores also carry hand tools, work gloves, boots, and basic equipment repair supplies.
Many locations have a clothing section with work shirts, jeans, and hats. Some stores carry small equipment like feeders, waterers, and traps. Inventory and selection vary significantly by store size and location — a larger Rural King in a farming area will have more feed options and equipment than a smaller location in a town with fewer farms nearby.
How to order or purchase from Rural King
Rural King operates as a walk-in retail store. You visit a location, browse the aisles, and pay at checkout. The company does not run a centralized online store where you can order to your home. Some individual locations may take phone orders for pickup, but this varies by store — you would need to call your local Rural King directly to ask.
If you need something specific and are not sure whether your nearest Rural King carries it, calling ahead saves a trip. Staff can tell you whether they have the item in stock and sometimes can hold it for you. For heavy items like feed or fertilizer, this is especially useful because you do not want to drive out and find they are out of stock.
Comparing Rural King to other farm supply options
| Retailer | Geographic Coverage | Online Ordering | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural King | Midwest and Upper South (roughly 100 locations) | No centralized online store; some locations take phone orders | In-person shopping if you live near a location; regional focus |
| Tractor Supply | All 50 states (roughly 2,000 locations) | Yes, with in-store pickup and delivery options | Wider selection and availability; national shipping |
| Atwood's | Great Plains and Southwest (roughly 130 locations) | Limited online; primarily in-store | Regional alternative if you live in their service area |
| Local feed mills | Varies by region | Usually no; phone or in-person only | Specialized feeds; local informed; bulk discounts |
If you live within Rural King's service area, the main advantage is convenience — you can pick up feed or fencing the same day without waiting for shipping. If you live outside their region or need something they do not stock, Tractor Supply is the largest national alternative and offers online ordering with home delivery. Local feed mills often have more specialized products and may offer bulk pricing if you buy in volume.
Tips for shopping at Rural King
Call ahead if you are buying in bulk or need something specific. Rural King stores can run low on popular items, especially during spring planting season or fall harvest. Knowing whether they have what you need before you drive there saves time and gas.
Prices vary by location, so do not assume the price you saw at one store applies everywhere. Bring your own vehicle or trailer if you are buying heavy items like feed bags or fencing — Rural King does not typically deliver, though some locations may offer loading information. If you have a membership or loyalty program card, bring it; some locations offer discounts or rewards, though this varies by store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rural King ship to my home?
Rural King does not operate a national online store with home delivery. You must visit a physical location or contact your local store directly to see if they take phone orders for pickup. Some larger locations may offer this service, but it is not may provide.
What states have Rural King stores?
Rural King locations are concentrated in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, with some stores in surrounding Midwest and Upper South states. The chain does not operate nationwide. Check ruralking.com or call their corporate office to confirm whether a location serves your area.
Can I return items to Rural King?
Return policies vary by location. Call your local Rural King to ask about their return window and what condition items must be in. Feed and fertilizer typically cannot be returned once opened, but unopened bags may be returnable within a certain timeframe.
Does Rural King price match other stores?
Price matching policies vary by location. Some stores may match competitor prices, but this is not a chain-wide may provide. Call your local Rural King to ask whether they price match and what proof of the competitor's price they require.
What should I bring when buying large quantities of feed?
Bring your own vehicle or trailer large enough to hold the bags. Rural King does not deliver, and staff may help load but cannot may provide it. If you are buying more than a few bags, confirm the store has that quantity in stock before you arrive.