By Sean Ellis
Five people were inducted into the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame March 17.
Hall of Fame inductees are people who have made extraordinary contributions to agriculture and Eastern Idaho, according to the organization.
Since the EIAHF was formed in 1972, 246 people have been inducted.
Chosen for the Class of 2023 were Val Schwendiman of Newdale, Chris Wride of American Falls, Brock Driscoll of Aberdeen, Sara Henson Skaar of Hagerman, and Chester Adams of Firth.
During the hall of fame recognition dinner, Paige Nelson of Rigby was named the Ed Duren Memorial Young Producer Award winner.
A record 429 people turned out for this year’s induction ceremony in Fort Hall.
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation CEO Zak Miller, a member of the EIAHF board of directors, said hall of fame inductees represent the drivers of the most important industry in the state.
“These people represent the crème of the crop of Idaho’s agriculture industry,” he said. “By their actions over many years, they have shown they are committed not only to agriculture, but to East Idaho as well.”
One of the common themes of the inductees’ acceptance speeches this year was that they were humbled to have their name included among all of the stalwarts of Eastern Idaho agriculture who have received the honor since 1972.
“I feel very good about being in this class and this company,” Skaar said.
Wride said when he looks at the names in the hall of fame, he thinks, “Great people. Inspiring people. Innovators. Leaders. People that get things done.”
Chester Adams
Adams spent many years in the classroom, as an educator and as a principal, before focusing fully on his ranching operation.
He received many awards during his years in education and in 1973, decided to have a dual career in education and ranching.
According to his induction bio, he purchased 52 acres along the Snake River and five registered Angus cows. Over 30 years, he added four additional properties and his herd grew to 125 registered mother cows.
Adams’ operation utilized a modified form of intensive grazing and he incorporated animal science research and new techniques to his feeding program to enhance the quality of his herd.
His operation implemented artificial insemination practices in 1975 and embryo transfers in 2001.
Adams received numerous agriculture awards, including recognition as a 50-year member of the American Angus Association. He has also served many years as a 4-H leader and volunteer for community events and is currently a director of the New Sweden Irrigation District.
Looking back at the last five decades, he said during his acceptance speech, “It’s really about the journey … I cherish the lifestyle that I chose and the many friends” I made along the way.
Sarah Henson Skaar
According to her award bio, “Sarah’s entire life has revolved around agriculture, livestock and ranching….”
That began with her farm experiences as a child and includes 4-H participation, university studies, employment and production agriculture partnerships with her father and husband.
While attending Washington State University, Skaar milked cows at the university dairy and conducted oilseed research in WSU’s department of agronomy.
She was a founding member of the WSU Cooperative of University Dairy Students organization.
After earning her master’s degree, Skaar accepted a job with University of Idaho as an Extension agent in Caribou County and was later promoted to associate professor of agriculture. She later transferred to Bonneville County Extension, where she continued working with livestock and youth.
Skaar has been involved in the equine industry and has organized and continues to teach youth horsemanship clinics throughout southern Idaho.
According to her award bio, “Whenever the Skaars owned ranches in Idaho, the sustainability of natural resources has been the cornerstone of their operation.”
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