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WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 17 4094-3CraryIndustries13s.indd 1 4094-3CraryIndustries13s.indd 1 9/24/21 4:38 PM 9/24/21 4:38 PM have in the past produced as much as 1,200. When asked what has been the driving force behind such successful expansion over the years, Clen deadpans, "Stupidity." "No," cuts in Clen and Emma's daughter, Laura, who today manages most of the farm's day-to-day operations. "What's made it work is that Dad's an amazing businessman." "When we first came back to the farm," says Emma, "Clen actually had a business plan with goals. He wanted to accomplish certain things by a certain age, and he exceeded those expectations wildly. Right now, it's right about at the point where it's most efficient." One of those innovations in efficiency is in the Atchleys' on-farm early-generation potato greenhouse, which is has been operated primarily by Emma since 1990. Though operating the greenhouse along with the rest of the farm is no easy task, the Atchleys firmly believe it is their best option for producing the cleanest, highest-quality seed possible. "Everything that comes out of that greenhouse is the basis for our seed operation," says Clen. "It is time-consuming and labor- intensive," says Emma. "It's hard work, and it's complicated. We grow four generations, so for each variety, we have four different lots. If we have five different varieties, that's 20 lots to keep track of in the cellars." That dedication to maintaining their entire farm as a home for clean seed continues to serve the Atchleys well. Potatoes are grown on a five- to eight- year rotation to keep the land as clean and healthy as possible. "We decided a long time ago to try to be the most efficient operation around," says Clen. "And you can't maintain that kind of efficiency long-term without a commitment to quality." The Atchleys are not attention seekers; they eschew the limelight whenever they can. But attention has a way finding people who are superb at their jobs. And there aren't many people as good at anything as the Atchleys are at producing high-end seed potatoes. POOL YOUR NOT YOUR MONEY WATER Idaho Power's Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Program offers incentives for replacing worn or damaged equipment. It is an opportunity to receive a cash incentive and lower your energy bill. idahopower.com/irrigation 4078-5IdahoPower13s.indd 1 4078-5IdahoPower13s.indd 1 5/18/20 2:10 PM 5/18/20 2:10 PM