2024 Spudman Impact Awards – Kyle Atcheson

Kyle Atcheson

Co-owner, Atcheson Farms

Potato farming is in Kyle Atcheson’s blood.

Atcheson, co-owner of Atcheson Farms in Woodland, Maine, is a third-generation potato farmer. Before farming full time, Atcheson worked as a John Deere Master Technician for Theriault Equipment, servicing equipment for 15-plus years.

Atcheson left that position when increased demand began putting production pressure on the family farm to pursue his dream of farming with his father, Thomas Atcheson.

“I learned everything about farming from my father and grandfather, Kenneth Atcheson, who started the farm in 1957,” Kyle Atcheson said. “My dad started his full-time farming career right out of high school in 1979 and has shown every day since what hard work, blood, sweat and tears will accomplish while still being the best family man example and my hero.”

In addition to working with his family, growing several types of russet potatoes, Kyle is also making sure the next generation nourishes its potato- producing roots. He shares his love of farming with wife Jaime and daughter Kayleigh, featured on the farm’s Facebook page perched in her father’s lap in a tractor cab and described as “pretty much the best tractor driver we got!”

One of Kyle’s proudest career moments came when he was recognized as one of three Aroostook Achievers by Momentum Aroostook in northern Maine. The award honored agricultural figures for their leadership, conservation and contributions to the farming community.

Kyle cherished the award in part because it helped solidify the farming legacy begun by his grandfather.

“My grandfather would have been so proud, as he was able to see me plant my first crop back in 2014, and to see the farm growing would have been his dream,” Kyle said. “Now, to be recognized by Spudman has made another proudest moment in my career.”