May 11, 2021
Michael L. Thonney, professor in the Department of Animal Science and director of graduate studies in the field of animal science, died April 23 in Ithaca. He was 71.
Over a Cornell career that spanned more than 45 years, Thonney made numerous contributions to animal science and agriculture through research that enhanced year-round sheep production systems and nutrition of highly productive sheep.
Mike Thonney
He combined these efforts with innovative extension and teaching programs, most recently creating a new course focused on dairy sheep management.
“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,” said Tom Overton, chair and professor of animal science. “He 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, lan