Stock showing has always been a big part of Jackie Burkhalter’s life. From age 9, when his dad, Jack Burkhalter, was Mitchel County Agent, Jackie has been passionate about stock showing. He loves competition and has always tried to instill in his children the importance of doing what it takes to make the show animal the best that it can be, and how to present their animals in the most advantageous way. The whole family learned to love show animals and the parts of stock showing (except washing the animals of course!)
Jackie moved to Olton when he was in 8th grade and went on to graduate from Olton High School. He then attended Lubbock Christian College, and after completing course work there, he earned his BS degree in Animal Science at Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech he was on the Livestock Judging team and earned a lettermans jacket. He then obtained his Ag Science certification and began teaching Ag Science classes to high school students for 4 years. But even after college graduation his learning continued. He loved to continue to hone his skills, learning about animal nutrition and producing a great product. After this time, he returned to Olton and farmed with family for 16 years.
During that time, he was fortunate to be able to help his three girls learn and grow to love the life of being a part of the stock show world. He has also been privileged to be able to serve on the Olton Stock Show Board, which he loved. From setting policy, to setting up the show barn, to weighing and entering the show animals... he loved every part.
Our honoree was elected to the Olton Jr. Livestock Show Association board in 1985. On January 28, 1989 he was elected general superintendent for the 1990 show. His second term on the board expired in 1991.
After farming for 16 years, he returned to teaching AG classes in various communities to high school kids. He retired from teaching, and thought he was about to be fishing everyday, when the opportunity presented itself to teach again in Olton. After four years, he really retired from teaching, but he never retired from helping other families who were interested in learning about stock showing. For the past 67 years Jackie has been so honored to be able to hold various positions in participating, serving and helping others in stock shows.
He loves Olton, and he loves all parts of stock showing. He loves being a part of this great community and being involved in the next generation of showmen to carry on this community legacy.
Our honoree is married to Valda and has three daughters, Kellie, Shannon and Joy, and five grandchildren.