Through sun, wind, rain, and snow. On crutches with a cracked kneecap. Leaning on a cane after having both knees replaced. These are just some of the situations John Symens has overcome to attend the National Western Stock Show in Denver. This year, the rural Amherst native marked a remarkable milestone by making the trip for the fiftieth time. Now back home, Symens reflects on five decades of livestock, travels, and cherished memories.
Family Tradition
Symens who lives in the house he grew up in just outside of Amherst was the youngest of five brothers. His father, Wilbert, always raised cattle and hogs, and in 1969, the family began experimenting with artificial insemination on their commercial cow herd. During that time, they learned about new cattle breeds being introduced to the U.S., including Limousin, a French breed prized for its muscular build, high yield, and lean meat.
Intrigued by the possibilities, the Symens family began crossing Limousin with their commercial cows. “We fed them out and liked what they were doing,” John said. By 1970, their success led to the establishment of a breeding operation. Symens Brothers Limousin was born, with John and his brothers Herman, Paul, and Irwin involved in the endeavor.
The Symens family was among the first in South Dakota to breed Limousin. Before long, their livestock was registered as purebred cattle, and they began selling bulls. Initially, sales were conducted through private treaty, but in 1981, they held their first auction sale. This year marks the 45th annual sale, scheduled for Feb. 27.
Even as they worked to refine their breeding program, John and his family were regular visitors to the National Western Stock Show, attending for years before eventually participating in the event. The huge show, held since 1906, is a yearly tradition where farmers and ranchers gather to reconnect, share knowledge, conduct business, and celebrate the West.
To The Stock Show
In 1975, the National Western Stock Show added Limousin to its lineup for the first time. Recognizing the opportunity, the Symens Brothers brought their bulls to the show the following year in 1976. The event quickly became a valuable platform for marketing and promoting their livestock, as well as generating interest in their sales.
John explains that they participate in the pen and carload show, an outdoor competition where three similar bulls are shown at a time. Over the years, the Symens family has achieved significant success at the stock show, earning numerous ribbons, including a Reserve Championship this year.
However, for John, the real measure of success goes beyond the awards. The stock show offers the chance to connect with new customers and forge friendships with people from across the country. “We always judge our success by the new potential customers and people we meet more than by first or second places,” John emphasized.
Over the years, John Symens has seen many changes at the National Western Stock Show, from shifts in cattle breeding trends to significant upgrades in the show’s facilities. One notable change occurred in 2021 during the COVID pandemic when the show was temporarily moved to Oklahoma. Weather, too, has always been unpredictable. “We’ve had everything from blizzards to balmy weather,” John recalled.
Preparing for the stock show is a year-round effort. “We’re always planning,” John explained. “All year long, we’re thinking about and selecting genetics. That is probably the biggest challenge.” While showcasing top-quality animals is a key goal, John emphasized a larger purpose: contributing to the beef industry. “Our goal is to produce cattle that help the beef industry and provide a great product for the consumer. If we didn’t do that, we wouldn’t keep going.”
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Carrying The Torch
John has been able to step back a bit, thanks to the support of trusted help, including his nephews Warren and Brad Symens, who are now partners in Symens Brothers Limousin, along with Thad Jensen, who works for the operation.
Warren, who grew up immersed in the family business, never considered another career path. This year marked his 18th trip to the stock show with Symens Brothers. He appreciates the event not only as a venue to market and promote their bulls but also as a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and meet cattlemen from around the globe. “At the end of the day, we always say we’re in the people business,” Warren noted.
Attending the stock show alongside his uncle has been a meaningful experience for Warren. “Everyone knows John and respects him,” he said. “You don’t stay in this business as long as he has without honesty and integrity.” For Warren, the show embodies the legacy of those who came before him. “The sustainability of this operation is special, and we couldn’t do it without a lot of help,” he added.
The family’s contributions and John’s remarkable tenure were recognized at this year’s stock show with a special presentation by the North American Limousin Foundation. In honor of his five decades of attendance, John received an embroidered vest, a cake, and hearty congratulations.
Reflecting on the honor, John shared a laugh about how friends joked that he should have Denver residency after spending so much time at the city and the stock show. While he’s proud of the milestone, John doesn’t have much time to dwell on it. With the annual family sale just weeks away, preparations are already in full swing, with stock to photograph and sale catalogs to finalize and mail.
Still, next year’s National Western Stock Show is likely already in the back of his mind. The Symens Brothers’ legacy at the event seems poised to carry on, with Warren’s 20-year-old son Owen making his fifth trip to the show this year. If history is any guide, the Symens family tradition at the stock show will carry on for generations to come.
