The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) is proud to announce Paul T. Combs, President of Baker Implement Company, as the 2025 Dealer Advocate of the Year. The award was presented Tuesday, November 18th at the North American Dealer Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Government affairs, both federal and state, remain a cornerstone of NAEDA’s mission. While the association works daily to represent equipment dealers’ interests, the most impactful advocacy happens when dealers themselves step forward to testify before legislative committees, explain how proposed laws affect their businesses, and build relationships with policymakers.

The Dealer Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a dealer whose efforts have significantly contributed to positive policy outcomes for the equipment industry. It honors those who not only participate in advocacy, but who go well beyond expectations. This year’s recipient, Mr. Paul T. Combs, exemplifies that commitment.

As President of Baker Implement Company, a family-owned dealership with fourteen locations across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, Mr. Combs brings firsthand insight from the agricultural frontlines. His leadership extends well beyond the dealership: he also serves as President of Combs Farming Company and Sunrise Land Company, overseeing farmland operations in three Missouri counties producing rice, cotton, soybeans, corn, and peanuts. He is also a shareholder of 4-Way Gin Company and a Director of the First Missouri Bank of SEMO.

Mr. Combs’ extensive service record includes leadership roles across key regional organizations. He serves as President of the Board of Supervisors of The Little River Drainage District, Vice President of the Board of Supervisors of The Elk Chute Drainage District, and a member of the Board of Supervisors for the Varney River Drainage District. An Eagle Scout, he serves on the Executive Board of the Greater St. Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and he is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. In the equipment sector, he serves on the Case IH North America Dealer Advisory Board.

Nationally, Mr. Combs previously served two terms as a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He is a past board member and Executive Committee member of the USA Rice Federation and served as Chairman of USA Rice Farmers. His expertise in agriculture has led to multiple invitations to testify before the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and the Missouri Legislature.

In 1995, Governor Mel Carnahan appointed Mr. Combs to a six-year term on the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri System, where he served as both Vice President and President of the Board. His community leadership also includes serving as President of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Delta Children’s Home, Chairman of the Trustees and Finance Committee of the First United Methodist Church of Kennett, and Director of the SouthEastern Equipment Dealers Association.

Paul T. and his wife, Holly, are also known for their philanthropic impact, becoming Principal Benefactors of the Mayo Clinic after establishing the Paul T. and Holly A. Combs Endowed Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

Mr. Combs earned his B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Missouri–Columbia and began his career as a tax associate at Price Waterhouse in St. Louis before returning to his family business. He and Holly have two children and three grandchildren.

Despite this extraordinary résumé, Mr. Combs has remained an unwavering advocate for NAEDA and the equipment dealer industry. From providing critical testimony in the Missouri Legislature to defeat harmful Right to Repair legislation, to being an early supporter of the NAEDA PAC, to joining NAEDA’s D.C. fly-ins, his commitment has strengthened the association’s influence at all levels of government.

His decades-long relationships with key policymakers have been invaluable. During NAEDA’s recent fly-in, Mr. Combs was instrumental in securing a meeting with Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. In that meeting, NAEDA successfully reinforced the importance of protecting the floor plan interest deduction and extending critical business provisions Section 199A and bonus depreciation. These priorities were ultimately included in the final legislation passed by Congress.

“Paul T. Combs is a tremendous asset to NAEDA and to the entire equipment dealer industry,” said NAEDA leadership. “His dedication, influence, and tireless advocacy ensure that dealers’ voices are heard where it matters most.”

NAEDA-Terry-and-Gerald-Swystun

12/6/25

NAEDA Honors Terry & Gerald Swystun of Full Line Ag Sales Ltd as 2025 Dealers of the Year

The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) is proud to announce that Terry and Gerald Swystun, owners of Full Line Ag Sales Ltd, have been named the 2025 Merit Award – Dealer of the Year. The recognition was presented during the North American Dealer Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The NAEDA Merit Award is one of the association’s highest honors, recognizing a dealer member who exemplifies leadership, promotes industry growth, and demonstrates exceptional commitment to their community. This year, Terry and Gerald distinguished themselves for their deep-rooted dedication to agriculture, their strong values, and their extraordinary contributions to the dealership community.

A Legacy Built on Family, Integrity, and Agriculture

For the Swystun family, farming has always been more than a business; it is a legacy woven through generations. The story began in 1966 when John Swystun founded Central Supply Ltd, a Massey Ferguson dealership grounded in integrity, hard work, and genuine service to the agricultural community. His commitment to customers and the industry became a guiding influence for his children.

Inspired by their father and driven by a shared vision, Terry and Gerald took the reins. In 1999, following John’s retirement, the brothers joined with Rick Risdale to establish Full Line Ag Sales Ltd. While honoring their Massey Ferguson roots, the dealership broadened its offerings to include the full AGCO lineup, Gleaner, Challenger, Rogator, and later Fendt and PTx Trimble and expanded further to represent trusted brands such as Morris, Versatile, Salford, Farm King, Convey-All, Mandako, SeedMaster, Honeybee, MacDon, and several leading precision agriculture technologies.

By 2014, thanks to rapid growth and sustained success, Terry and Gerald became 50/50 partners in the dealership. Their united leadership and unwavering commitment to customers fueled continued expansion and strengthened Full Line Ag’s presence across Western Canada.

Excellence Recognized Across North America

From its humble beginnings, Full Line Ag Sales Ltd has grown into a multi-location dealership in Saskatchewan, celebrated for its excellence. The company has earned consecutive AGCO Circle of Excellence awards for top volume in North America and maintains consistent gold and silver tier ratings within AGCO’s dealer network. These achievements reflect the team’s dedication, capability, and industry-leading performance.

Both Terry and Gerald have also contributed extensively beyond their dealerships, serving on various boards and dealer panels for numerous organizations and manufacturers. Their hands-on agricultural experience and grounded perspectives have made them influential voices within the industry.

Family at the Heart of the Business

Despite their many professional accomplishments, Terry and Gerald’s greatest source of pride remains their families. Terry and his wife, Nancy, raised three sons, Tanner, a chiropractor, and Connor and Austin, who have stepped into ownership roles within Full Line Ag. Gerald and his wife Janice have three daughters, Amanda, Danielle, and Arisia. Danielle plays several key roles at the dealership as administrator, controller, and assistant general manager in Swift Current.

As Full Line Ag moves into the future, the next generation of Connor, Austin, and Danielle are committed to carrying the company’s legacy forward. Under Terry and Gerald’s continued mentorship, they are focused on expanding the business while staying true to the core values that built it: honesty, integrity, community, and an unwavering passion for agriculture.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

Over the past 26 years, Full Line Ag Sales Ltd has grown into more than a dealership; it has become a cornerstone of its community and a testament to the strength of family and the enduring spirit of agriculture. With each generation, its legacy becomes even stronger.

NAEDA congratulates Terry and Gerald Swystun and the entire Full Line Ag Sales Ltd team on this well-deserved recognition.

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