Eminent Farmer
County: Marshall
Paul Symens and his wife Faye farm near Amherst, South Dakota. He continues the tradition of leadership and service established by his father Wilbert, who was also recognized as an Eminent Farmer in 1973. Paul's greatest contribution to agriculture and community has been as a leader in the State Legislature. During his 16 years in the Senate, he has been the Assistant Majority Leader, and served on committees including: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, State Affairs, Legislative Procedure and Retirement Laws, and the Joint Appropriations Committee. He was a member of former Governor Richard Kneip's Council on the Future of Agriculture in 1975.
Paul is a well-known beef and crop producer. He was active in the South Dakota Farmers Union, holding various leadership positions on the local, state and national level. He has also served more than 20 years as a regional cooperative director.
Paul and Faye have five children.