In existence for 200 years, Maples Stock Farm got into the Angus beef business in 1937 when Mack Maples started his first Angus line of cattle. Their son, Billy — one of Mack and Doris Maples’ five children — has been passionate about Angus cattle his entire life. With the sale of a Grand Champion 4-H steer in 1948, Billy purchased eight Angus heifers to begin his own herd. Maples is a graduate of Auburn University, earning his B.S. in animal science. Following his studies, Maples returned home to continue growing his operation. He was an early adopter of performance testing and artificial insemination and participated in the Auburn University Bull Test for years, having the high-selling bull numerous times. Off the farm, Maples has an extensive history with the Alabama Farmers Federation and has had leadership responsibilities with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Angus Association and the American Angus Association. Family plays an important role in Maples Stock Farm’s success. Billy’s son, Tommy, and grandson, Ben, currently manage the farm alongside him. Billy’s passion for the Angus breed is shared by his three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.