During the opening weekend of the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted Marjorie Burton and Mike Corn into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame. Both were recognized for their long-term contributions to the fair and livestock industry 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 alongside her husband Leonard, establishing Fire Pink Hollar in the late 1970s with up to 50 dairy goats. She has participated as an exhibitor at the N.C. Mountain State Fair since it started 31 years ago, earning premier breeder and exhibitor honors for Oberhasli and La Mancha dairy goat shows. Burton played a significant role in developing Oberhasli goats when they were newly recognized by the American Goat Association, particularly advancing the breed within Western North Carolina. She has also 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 Biltmore Estate’s Jersey herd. At the fair, he is known for supplying cows for Mooternity Ward, an exhibit featuring live births which educates visitors about dairy farming.
“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’s involvement extends beyond his farm; he mentors youth interested in agriculture by training young judges, loaning animals so students can gain experience showing livestock, and participating actively in local dairy shows.
His efforts have previously been acknowledged: he was named Dairyman of the Year in 1994, received service recognition from Bill Martin Award at this fair in 2008, and joined Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2018.
“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.”
