February 2019 - 16

From left, Laura Pickard, stands with her parents, Emma and Clen Atchley. Pickard has taken
a leadership role in running the family's potato business.
" We have a phenomenon called summer melt. They intend to go to college but
don't get there, " Atchley explained. " We are finding out a lot of times students don't
hear from institutions and (colleges) don't maintain contact after a student has
applied and is admitted. "
She said the state board has instructed its eight public higher-education
institutions to maintain better contact with incoming freshmen.
Atchley believes a change in state policy made two years ago, allowing students
to become accepted into all of Idaho's public post secondary institutions with a
single application, has resulted in an increase in applications, in-state applicants
and applications from first-generation college students.
She's also excited about a couple of agriculture-related developments at her alma
mater. UI plans to open a new Moscow facility for making early generation potato
seed, which should significantly increase the program's production. The facility will
also house a comprehensive seed bank for storing potato varieties.
To aid dairy farmers with cutting-edge research, UI plans a new Center for Food
Production and Food Processing in Twin Falls.
LOOKING AHEAD
During the 2017 growing season, Atchley said Idaho's potato acres were down, and
spud prices have consequently been strong lately, relative to other commodities.
She's sold out of potato seed, and based on seed demand, Atchley anticipates a
slight increase in Idaho potato acres in 2018. In addition to seed potatoes, their
farm produces wheat, certified wheat seed, canola, alfalfa and beef.
She and Clen have already begun transitioning their farm to the next generation.
Their daughter, Laura Pickard, will assume responsibility for the farming operations.
Pickard holds a master's degree in agricultural economics from UI. She's also served
an internship with Food Producers of Idaho and worked in politics in Washington,
D.C., as a staff member for former Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.
" Ultimately, my path ended back where my heart was, I suppose - on the farm, "
Pickard said. " I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be here. There's nothing like it. "
Their other daughter, Evelyn, works as a graphic designer in Boise. Evelyn owns
some of the family's farm ground and helps with farm duties when she finds time.
Pickard's husband, Clay, has assumed responsibility for the family's mediumsized
cow-calf operation.
In Atchley's other role - setting state policy for schools with the state Board of
Education - her term expires in 2020.
" We've had a lot of good things work for us as far as being able to do farm work
and work in education also, and hopefully we've made some difference in the
positive sense for our family and the state, " Atchley said.
16
Spudman.com

http://www.Spudman.com

February 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2019