Symens Brothers on the map. User Friendly
offered the calving-ease, performance, feed
efficiency traits that their customer base was
seeking, and his genetics is a reflection of the
operation’s focus on selecting for multiple traits
instead of chasing single-trait industry fads.
“I think what makes our program work is the
focus on the end product — a great piece of
beef,” said Warren Symens, the fourth generation
on the ranch. “We have to focus on the entire
animal to do that, and multi-trait selection is
something we use to achieve our goal of raising
a complete animal. Our goals for the future
are the constant and consistent improvement
of the beef animal, through increased
efficiency and data capture at all levels.”
Today, Symens Brothers offers 80-90 bulls in
their annual sale, as well as consigning bulls at
the Na-tional Western Stock Show, Black Hills
Stock Show and Sioux Empire Livestock Show.
Symens Brothers continues to finish calves in
their 1,400-head capacity feedlot, many of which
are purchased from their bull customers.
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The family also raises their own feed — corn,
soybeans and alfalfa — for the cowherd and
feedlot, and like many ranching families,
a new generation is transitioning into
leadership roles within the operation.
John Symens is the one remaining partner
still working in the daily operations of
the business. In 2018, John was joined by
Paul’s son, Warren Symens and Irwin’s son,
Brad Symens, as partners in the LLC.