Over a Cornell career that spanned more than 45 years, Mike Thonney made numerous contributions to animal science and agriculture through research that enhanced year-round sheep production systems and nutrition of highly productive sheep.

He combined these efforts with innovative extension and teaching programs, most recently creating a new course focused on dairy sheep management.

Tom Overton, chair and professor of animal science noted, “Mike reinvented the Cornell Sheep Program by establishing a sheep dairy and by creating many cross-disciplinary research and management projects – with wide-ranging impact for animal health, land management and sustainability.”

Mike Thonney was also deeply committed to graduate students in the field of animal science and had recently been re-elected to a third term as director of graduate studies.

“Mike was incredibly dedicated to his students and a popular teacher – he was often approached for help by struggling students, and he supported them greatly,”

Dr. Tom Overton, Department Chair and Professor, Animal Science