Idaho Woman Honors Late Husband's Legacy in Seed Potato Farming
Emma Atchley, an Idaho resident, continues to honor her late husband Clen Atchley's legacy by maintaining the Flying A Ranch, a leader in certified seed potatoes. Established in 1972, the ranch spans 5,000 acres and specializes in russet potatoes, particularly the Russet Burbanks and rangers, which are popular for French fries. The ranch also produces wheat and canola and operates a small cattle farm. Emma, mostly retired, has passed the daily operations to her daughter and son-in-law. The ranch has a strong connection with the University of Idaho, where Emma and Clen met, and which supplies their seed potatoes. Clen, who passed away due to complications from Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War, was instrumental in modernizing the farm's operations, including the introduction of pivot irrigation systems and advanced harvesting equipment.