Feb 28, 2012Thornton, Atchleys receive Idaho awards
Mike Thornton, Ph.D., received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture for Technical Innovation and Clen and Emma Atchley received the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement recently at the Larry Branen Idaho Ag Summit in Boise.
Thornton, the superintendent of the University of Idaho’s Southwest Idaho Research & Extension Center in Parma, was cited for his work as a team leader of statewide extension potato programs as well as his research in management of onion storage diseases, control of soil and seed-borne Rhizoctonia and development of potato cultivars adapted to Southwestern Idaho.
The Atchleys, of Ashton, own the Flying A Ranch, Inc., and are longtime seed potato growers in Eastern Idaho. They also raise cattle, grow grain, canola and hay. The Atchleys were cited for their agricultural success, business expertise, serving on numerous business entities’ boards of directors and community service/involvement with a variety of organizations. Emma is also currently a member of the State Board of Education.
