Sisters show cows at Tennessee Expo
By
Fran Alt
Seventeen-year-old Malinda Burkhart and her fifteen-year-old sister Rachael live on a dairy farm in Greenback, Tennessee. Influenced by their parents J.M. and Missy Burkhart the girls' futures are well mapped. Dad J.M. is an orthopedic surgeon/dairy farmer while Missy, a very busy mom, runs the family owned Oasis Lawn and Garden center. Malinda and Rachael have two sisters, Rebecca 7, and Ann Taylor 6 and one brother, three-year-old Mac Jr. The family doesn't stop there; the Burkhart farm is also home to 380 milking stock - 300 Holsteins and 80 Jerseys - and 400 other cows.
Malinda and Rachael say growing up on a dairy farm profoundly influenced their lives. Both girls are goal oriented with dairy remaining a part of their lives. The sisters love showing cows and have been at it for six years. They say it comes form their dad who also grew up grew up on a dairy farm.
Malinda a high school senior plans to follow in dad's footsteps and become an orthopedic surgeon.. Rachael, a sophomore, also plans to follow her dad, but in the dairy direction. "I am hoping to have a farm just like my dad, but first I plan to go to UT, then get my DVM," she says beaming.
Although Malinda's plans differ, her love for cows is steadfast. "I probably won't farm, but I will always help Rachael show cows," she says with a smile.
The girls’ tastes in dairy cows differ. Malinda leans toward Jerseys, while Rachael's preference runs to Holsteins. "I like their size, "Rachael says, "and they have such a great overall stylish look." Malinda explains her choice has to do with hug-ability. "Jerseys are sweet-natured. They are like little pets; they love hugging and kissing."
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