During the opening weekend of the N.C. Mountain State Fair, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted Marjorie Burton and Mike Corn into the fair’s Livestock Hall of Fame. The recognition highlights their longstanding commitment to supporting livestock programs and the agricultural community in Western North Carolina.
“We are fortunate to have many agricultural families that put their heart and soul into the livestock programs and the Mountain State Fair,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Marjorie Burton and Mike Corn are a big part of what makes these programs a success. I am honored to present them with this award and thank them for their support.”
Marjorie Burton began her work with dairy goats in Leicester in the late 1970s alongside her husband Leonard, managing up to 50 goats at Fire Pink Hollar. She has participated in goat shows at the N.C. Mountain State Fair since its inception 31 years ago, earning premier breeder and exhibitor honors for Oberhasli and La Mancha breeds. Burton contributed to advancing the Oberhasli breed when it was newly recognized by the American Goat Association and served on several boards with the Piedmont Dairy Goat Association.
“Everyone who knows Margie will tell you that she is a stable force at the N.C. Mountain State Fair and that they look forward to seeing her each year,” Troxler said. “In addition to creating a love of goats and showing with her granddaughter, Tiffany, she has helped countless other youth. She is an example of someone that through her love of goats and the Mountain State Fair has made a lasting positive impact in her community and for the dairy goat industry in North Carolina. We are proud to have her as part of the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.”
Mike Corn manages Small Acres Dairy in Mills River, where he oversees the Biltmore Estate Jersey herd. At the fair, he is known for providing cows for the Mooternity Ward exhibit, which educates visitors about dairy farming through live animal births.
“When this exhibit was imagined for the fair more than a decade ago, likely no one knew then how popular and beloved it would be at the Fair,” Troxler said.• “Every year through Mike’s dedication and hard work fairgoers can learn about the dairy industry and watch the miracle of a live birth. It takes a lot of effort, volunteers and a little science to make this exhibit a success. Mike is the one to make sure all these pieces fit together.”
Corn also mentors youth involved in dairy showing by training young judges and loaning animals so students can gain practical experience. His service has been recognized with awards such as Dairyman of the Year (1994), Bill Martin Award for Service (2008), and induction into both regional agricultural halls of fame.
“Mike embodies what it means to give back to the land and the people around him,” Troxler said. “We are proud to have him as part of our N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.”
