HB FARMS HISTORY
Established as Hicks Brothers Angus in 1947 by Bob Hicks and Dr. Newell Hicks, the Midway, Kentucky farm quickly became recognized as a leader in the state and regionally in the industry. HB Angus enjoyed success in the show ring and was highly respected as a breeder of quality cattle. Upon Bob’s death in 1967, Dr. Hicks continued the purebred Angus operation partnering with both Bruce Davis and Tom Yeary. Dr. Hicks passed away in September 1991. The family continued to operate the farm as a purebred beef cattle, tobacco and hay operation.
From left to right: Newell, Morgan, Derek and Callie Counsell, James, Marci and Nathan Hicks
From left to right: Zac, Greg, Mary, Drew, Morgan and Will Blaydes
In 2002, Dr. Hicks’ children James Hicks and Mary Hicks Blaydes along with their spouses formed HB Farms and took over the operation of the farm. The name HB Farms was selected to not only represent the Hicks and Blaydes families but to also honor James and Mary’s father and uncle.
While HB Farms maintained a number of purebred Angus cows, Limousin cattle were introduced to the operation. Mary’s husband, Greg Blaydes, had served as the cattle manager of Shadwell Farm also located in Midway. Well respected in the Limousin breed, Greg added key foundation cows to the herd. During this time, the Angus-Limousin cross was becoming more widely bred and registered with the North American Limousin Association. HB Farms soon developed a reputation for producing high quality Lim-Flex cows and bulls.
The third generation has also been involved since 2002. All 6 children (Nathan, Newell and Callie Hicks and Zac, Will and Drew Blaydes) were active in the show ring over the years. Nathan, Callie and Will all served on the North American Limousin Junior Association Board of Directors. Callie has also served as a National Red Angus Queen.
Recently, HB Farms has added registered Red Angus cattle to the program. We look forward to seeing what the future brings with this addition.
We are honored to build upon the foundation set by Bob and Newell Hicks. We invite you to browse the website and view the donor cows and bulls we have to offer as well as register for our mailing list to receive notices on upcoming sales and events.
CONTACT
Please let us know how we can help. Click the link below to contact us.
FARM PHOTOS
Children and grandchildren of the late Dr. Newell G. Hicks accept the 2019 Harold Workman award on his behalf during the North American International Livestock Exhibition Farm City Lunch.
