FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8, 2012

Two inducted into Mountain State Fair
Livestock Hall of Fame

RALEIGH — Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted two new members into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame during a ceremony held Friday at the Western N.C. Agricultural Center.

The inductees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the livestock shows at the Mountain State Fair. This year’s inductees were Mike Stiles of Cherokee County and Steve Ledford of Macon County. Each inductee received a plaque for their accomplishments. An additional plaque will be displayed in the Livestock Sales Arena following the 2012 N.C. Mountain State Fair.

Mike Stiles is an animal health technician with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He has worked with the department for 27 years. Stiles was recognized for his responsibility in helping to build the livestock shows at the Mountain State Fair, as well as county fairs throughout Western North Carolina. [view photo]

“I’ve had the chance to get to know Mike over the past eight years,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “He has had a tremendous impact on animal agriculture in Western North Carolina.”

Steve Ledford is a public works director for Macon County. Ledford was one of the early contributors to the Mountain State Fair livestock shows, and continues to provide swine and cattle for exhibition. He also holds clinics at his barn to teach young people how to care for and show livestock. [view photo]

“The Mountain State Fair livestock shows would not be possible without the support of farmers, ranchers and other ag leaders in our community,” Troxler said. “Steve has helped make the Mountain State Fair livestock shows what they are today.”

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