Photo credit: Mark Stebnicki

Malarie Thompson of Cleveland County won the 2023 NCFB YF&R Excellence in Ag Award. After graduating from California State University, Fresno with a degree in animal science, Thompson earned her master’s degree in agricultural education from North Carolina A&T State University.

She now works for Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association as a member services and sustainability specialist. Malarie Thompson and her husband, Will, manage 100 cow-calf pairs in and are in the process of expanding their pasture and hay land as well as adding sheep to the farm. They hope to farm full-time one day.

See more: On the Local Level: Young Farmers & Ranchers

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NCField&FamilySummer2026
Flip through the pages of the Summer 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, find vineyard adventures at U-pick muscadine grape farms, explore the oasis of Manteo, learn more about on-farm markets, enjoy peak berry season with summer berry recipes, read about riveting research on hemp fiber and so much more.

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