Agricultural Careers Farm Supply Store Operator

1. Agricultural Careers Farm Supply Store Operator By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Ms. Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities • Oversee store employees • Provide customer service to clients • Keep accurate employee and financial records • Maintain store cleanliness and attractiveness • Check inventory, order stock and set prices • Promote the business • Oversee general business procedures

3. Qualities and Skills Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a farm supply store manager should be able to meet and work with other people easily and should maintain a pleasant and helpful personality. A farm store manager should be sympathetic to their customers’ needs and also have good personnel management skills in order to deal with their employees. Good business management skills and an ability to be confident and persuasive are essential to someone planning on running any type of business.

4. Salary The starting salary for a farm supply store operator is usually between $19,000 and $20,000 per year. Those with experience may earn $30,000 to $40,000 annually. Salary is also dependent on the size and location of the store and the manager’s previous farming experience and willingness to work.

5. Work Environment • Hours are typically regular, but are longer during certain seasons such as spring planting • Most work is located indoors, but some may be done outside • Possibly dirty or dusty surroundings • Some travel to a client’s farm may be necessary to evaluate the problem firsthand

6. Education At least a high school degree is usually required and a college degree is also valuable when pursuing a career as a farm supply store operator. A four year degree with a major in agricultural business is a good idea for those planning on operating a farm supply store. Courses in animal nutrition, soils, economics, accounting, and biochemistry are helpful in this career. Most do not begin their career as store managers. Some individuals will be able to work their way to this position through previous experience working at a farm supply store. After gaining enough experience and resources, an individual may decide to establish their own farm supply business. Within larger, corporate stores, there may also be possibilities for a store manager to advance into a supervisory role. Education and individual initiative are keys to advancement.

7. Career Resources National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Internet: http://www.ncfc.org American Feed Industry Association Internet: http://www.afia.org Agriculture Retailers Association Internet: http://www.aradc.org American Farm Bureau Federation Internet: http://www.fb.org State Farm Business Insurance Internet: http://statefarm.com Market Place for the Mind Internet: http://www.marketplaceforthemind.com