<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH
27, 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-27-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-27-1999
<CASH>                                          21,626
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   15,308
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    215,411
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               231,657
<PP&E>                                          95,296
<DEPRECIATION>                                  29,810
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 325,417
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          157,446
<BONDS>                                         47,878
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            70
<OTHER-SE>                                     118,839
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   325,417
<SALES>                                        125,647
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               125,647
<CGS>                                           93,455
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   93,455
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                33,323
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 732
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (1,863)
<INCOME-TAX>                                      (723)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (1,140)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (1,140)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     (.13)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     (.13)