Title: 1) Owner; 2) Owner
Company: 1) John Blackwell Farms; 2) HH Feed Lot
Location: Larned, Kansas, United States
John Howard Blackwell, Owner at John Blackwell Farms and Owner at HH Feed Lot, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements and leadership in Agribusiness Operations.
Mr. Blackwell has served as the principal owner of John Blackwell Farms since 2024, where he oversees the cultivation of wheat, corn, soybeans and sorghum. His agricultural journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing on a family farm, a tradition that spans generations. After graduating from high school in 1964, he returned to the land that shaped his youth. Farming became more than an occupation; it was a calling that defined his life’s work. Mr. Blackwell is responsible for managing about 5,000 acres, which he operates largely on his own.
Before establishing John Blackwell Farms under its current name, Mr. Blackwell began his entrepreneurial venture more than 55 years ago in 1969 as the owner of HH Feed Lot, marking the beginning of his independent professional journey in agriculture. Throughout decades of managing both farming and cattle operations, Mr. Blackwell has demonstrated resilience and adaptability amid shifting industry conditions.
Beyond his current business ventures, Mr. Blackwell has contributed significantly to the agricultural community through leadership roles with several other organizations. For more than 35 years, he served as the director for Midwest Energy, Inc., between 1987 and 2025. He also made an impact as a trustee for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., for over a decade and as its president for two years. Mr. Blackwell considers his presidency to be a career milestone due to the competitive nature of attaining such a position. Furthermore, he enjoyed a near 10-year tenure as a board member at High Plains Farm Credit, highlighting his commitment to advancing agricultural interests in the region.
Mr. Blackwell distinguishes himself through an innate ability to connect with people across various settings. Whether engaging with others at social gatherings or within professional circles, he is known for his charm and approachability. These interpersonal skills have been instrumental in building lasting relationships and fostering collaboration throughout his career. While he acknowledges that he finds bookkeeping and other administrative tasks less enjoyable than other aspects of his work, Mr. Blackwell’s drive and strong work ethic have consistently propelled him forward.
A former attendee of Kansas State University in Manhattan, Mr. Blackwell studied animal science and economics on campus. This academic foundation provided valuable insights into both livestock management and agricultural economics, knowledge that has supported his success in farming and business operations.
Civic involvement has also played an important role in Mr. Blackwell’s life. He volunteered as the board chair for the zoning commission in Pawnee County, contributing time and expertise to support local governance and community development over more than 35 years. Aside from his role as board chair, he served as a vice chair, secretary and treasurer.
Throughout his career and personal life, Mr. Blackwell’s story has become one of dedication to family tradition, steadfast leadership within the agricultural sector and meaningful engagement within his community. His enduring commitment to agriculture can be traced back to lessons learned from his grandfather, whose guidance instilled perseverance and a deep understanding of cattle farming from an early age. This legacy of hard work and determination continues to influence Mr. Blackwell’s approach today.
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