The Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame

PRESENTS THE

2026 Ed Duren Memorial
Young Producer Award

The Ed Duren Memorial Young Producer Award recognizes ranchers/farmers/food producers, 35 years of age or younger, who are directly engaged in production agriculture for their commitment, innovation and leadership/service benefitting the Agricultural industry. With the average age of Idaho farmers upward of 57, these award recipients represent the exciting – and critical – future of agriculture in Eastern Idaho. 2020 was the first year a class of award winners was recognized by the EIAHF.

Launched in 2018, this award is presented in memory of Edward Paul Duren, a man whose positive impact on agriculture in Eastern Idaho is beyond measure. A University of Idaho Extension Livestock Specialist based in Soda Springs, Idaho, Ed spent a 39-year career (and many more years as a professor emeritus) providing education, outreach and leadership to producers and organizations across Idaho and beyond.

Ed was nationally and internationally respected as a trailblazer, author and educator, and was a tireless advocate for the involvement of youth in agriculture and agricultural experiences. He pioneered a holistic ranch business model he titled “integrated resource management,” and was instrumental in linking university faculty and allied industry with Idaho farmers and ranchers for applied on-farm research and demonstrations responding to locally-identified needs.

As well as state and national leadership, Ed served for several years as a board member of the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame. He was inducted into both the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame and the Eastern Idaho Horsemen’s Hall of Fame, and received many other honors and awards, but was particularly gratified when a young Idaho farmer or rancher was successful, and in turn, gave back to the industry.

Ed had a lifelong passion for family, agriculture, education and draft horses.

The recipient of the Ed Duren Memorial Young Producers Award is selected by the EIAHF Board from candidates identified by the EIAHF Board and Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees. The recipient is recognized at the annual Reception & Banquet.

2026 Ed Duren Memorial Young Producer Award Recipients

Jade Scott Searle – Searle Land and Cattle

Jade Searle began building his own cow-calf herd at age 12 and became a full-time farmer and rancher at 21. He is the son of Scott and Tausha Searle. Jade is married to Lindsay, and they are raising Stetson, Dawson, Payson and Josie on the farm in Shelley, Idaho. His operation includes raising potatoes, grain, hay, cattle and operating a large-scale straw business. Jade utilizes fall cover crops to improve soil health and provide fall feed for his cattle. He works on the farm with his father and three brothers. He serves on the AgWest Farm Credit local advisory committee and is actively engaged in the Shelley community.

Colby Ward – Ward Farms

Colby Ward is a second-generation farmer whose agricultural foundation was built through hands-on experience working alongside family and mentors. Colby is the son of Dave and Lisa Ward. He and his wife, Shelbi, are raising their children, Jacobe, Tavery, Creed and Indy on the farm in Monteview, Idaho. Colby has expanded Ward Farms’ crop production and ranching operations, including a grass-fed, grass-finished certified beef operation. He is committed to efficient water use, soil health, no-till farming practices and collaboration with neighboring farmers. He is a member of the Clark County Search and Rescue and the Rangeland Fire Protection Association and has coached many elementary and high school students in various sports.

Taylor Smith – Taylor Smith Farms, LLC

Taylor Smith, a third-generation farmer from Idaho Falls, Idaho, has built a progressive agricultural operation focused on row-crop and cattle production. Taylor is the son of Mike and Kayla Smith. He and his wife, Kylee, have three daughters: Tayzlee, Kimber and Kinley. Taylor began farming at an early age and launched his own custom combining business while still in high school. Since 2012, he has implemented no-till and minimal-till practices, cover crops and modern irrigation systems. He serves on multiple canal boards and is involved in several groundwater recharge projects. Taylor was named the 2024 runner-up for the Anheuser-Busch Grower’s Grain Quality Producer Award. He continues to give back to his community through youth coaching, school support and industry advisory service.

Shayman Munns – Munns Ranch

Shayman Munns was born to ranch in Rexburg, Idaho. He is the son of Lee and Rhonda Munns. He and his wife Leslie are raising Wyatt, Madi, Easton and Maren. Shayman has been involved in farming and ranching since childhood, beginning his own cattle herd at age 8. Shayman has demonstrated ingenuity and hands-on problem-solving through improvements to his cattle operations, including the design and construction of custom feedlot facilities and livestock equipment. In recent years, he has expanded his technical expertise by learning pregnancy checking and artificial insemination. Munns is also deeply committed to supporting fellow producers, frequently assisting neighbors with cattle work. He serves on the Consolidated Farmer Canal Board and the Madison County NRCS Board.

Ryan Gould – R & D Gould Farms, LLC

Ryan Gould grew up working on his family’s farm in Teton, Idaho. He now serves as partner-owner and manager of R & D Gould Farms. He is the son of Darin and Angie Gould and the husband of Trista. He and his wife are raising Presslee and Karson on the farm. Since starting full-time on the farm, Ryan has helped purchase more than 800 acres of additional farmland. He oversees irrigation, fertilizer management and commodity marketing for potatoes and wheat across thousands of acres. Gould plays a key role in multiple farming entities and represents the next generation of agricultural leadership in eastern Idaho.