Three Waynesville residents honored at Mountain State Fair

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted three Waynesville residents, Bill and Patty Cochran and Bill Yarborough, into the Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.

“This year’s inductees are strong supporters of agriculture in Western North Carolina, the Mountain State Fair and other fairs in the region.” Troxler said. “Thanks to their continual support, young people have the opportunity to learn more about agriculture in their community and learn valuable life skills by showing animals at the Mountain State Fair and other events.”

The Cochrans run a dairy and swine operation in Haywood County. They were recognized for their support of the livestock shows at the fair, and support of FFA and 4-H. The Cochrans have a long history of showing animals in the livestock shows. In the past, the couple also has provided a cow for the milking booth during the fair’s 10-day run, and provided swine for the swine shows.

Bill Yarborough was recognized for his support of the Mountain State Fair through his work at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Yarborough oversaw multiple improvement projects at the WNC Agricultural Center. He also is a supporter of youth activities in the community, and encourages young people to get involved in the fair.

The N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame was created by livestock show staff to recognize individual contributions to the livestock industry in Western North Carolina. The 2016 N.C. Mountain State Fair took place Sept. 9-18 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.