There ’ s a lot of pride and knowledge John gleaned from the generations before him that established the business — management decisions he , his brother and his nephews still implement today .
For example , John can ’ t remember a time when a feedlot wasn ’ t a part of this operation , and it is a tradition that has only grown stronger since it ’ s initial creation .
“ My grandfather and father basically never raised anything or sold it until it was ready for market ,” John said . “ When Limousin was advertised as the carcass breed , it caught our attention .”
The diversification allows for cash flow and keeps his family busy year-round , Warren explains . “ Any farm or any business , even , is smart to diversify ,” he adds . As the years have ticked by , each area of the operation has had to adapt with the times to make forward progress . One of their best decisions , John said , was incorporating Limousin genetics into the herd .
“ We definitely did believe after we fed them for a few years that they were the carcass breed ,” John explains .
The Limousin calves resulted in more efficient cattle with higher yield grades . The bloodline also allowed the operation to expand its reach into the seedstock sector .
The breed is efficient and fast to grow , which Warren said makes them an ideal choice for a farm focused on carcass performance in their cattle ’ s genetics . Though the decision to incorporate the red-hided animals happened before Warren was a member of the partnership at Symens Brothers , he can recite the praises of the cattle just as well as John . continued on page 30
John , Warren , Paul , Owen and Brad operate Symens Brothers . In addition to nearly 300 spring-calving cow-calf pairs , the fourgeneration strong partnership is also home to a feedlot and 1,500 acres of cropland .
John can ’ t remember a time when a feedlot wasn ’ t a part of the operation . “ My grandfather and father basically never raised anything or sold it until it was ready for market ,” John said . “ When Limousin was advertised as the carcass breed , it caught our attention .”
Northeastern South Dakota sees all four seasons , from hot temperatures in the summers to snow in the winter , but the fertile ground is the perfect place to raise livestock and the place the Symens family has called home since the early 1900s .
2023 will mark the 43rd year the operation has hosted an annual production sale . While cattle carrying the SYES prefix have gone to all parts of Canada and the United States , the pie table has had just as many satified customers .
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