Congratulations to the 2021-2022 COBA/Select Sires Recipients. Please read about the award winners below.
Jack Palla is from Clovis, New Mexico, where he grew up working on his family’s three dairy farms, milking a collective 12,000 head, and 1,500 head ranch with his brother, father and grandfather. He is currently a senior at Oklahoma State University, and he is a member of the university dairy Judging Team. After graduation, he plans to be an innovator for the agricultural industry.
Nicole Koke is from Dublin, Texas, where she grew up showing cattle and working on her family’s 2,346 head Holstein and Jersey dairy operation. She is currently a junior at Texas A&M University, where she majors in business management with a minor in economics. After graduation, she intends to become a business owner within Dairy Mating Services, where she can advocate for the dairy industry.
Cooper Mitchell is from McAlester, Oklahoma, where he grew up on a 125 head Brangus farm and co-operated multiple cow/calf operations. He is currently a sophomore at Eastern Oklahoma State College. After graduation, he intends to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in chiropractics with a specialization in large animals.
Grant Palla is from Clovis, New Mexico, where he grew up working on his father’s dairy farm operations and recently began helping with his grandfather’s ranch beside his brother. He is currently a freshman at Oklahoma State University, where he majors in animal science and agricultural business. After graduation, he intends to return to the family ranch to work.
Joanna Frankenberg is from New Bremen, Ohio, where she grew up showing cattle and working on her family’s third-generation 100 head dairy operation. She is currently a senior at The Ohio State University, where she majors in agricultural communication. After graduation, she plans to work in the dairy industry with a communications role.
Gavin Steinberger is from Windthorst, Texas, where he grew up showing cattle and working on his family’s 1,000 head dairy operation. He is currently a sophomore at Texas A&M University, where he majors in agricultural science. After graduation, he intends to remain in the dairy industry for his career.
Esmae Velsen is from Hico, Texas, where she grew up showing cattle and working on her family’s 2,000+ head dairy operation. She is currently a freshman at Tarleton State University, where she majors in pre-med biomedical science. After graduation, she intends to pursue a medical career as a pediatric oncologist. She is involved in FFA Dairy Judging and various other dairy-related competitions.
Austin Reedy is from Agra, Oklahoma, where he grew up showing and judging cattle alongside working on his family’s 230 head Holstein, Brown Swiss and Holstein/Swiss cross dairy operation. He is currently a senior at Oklahoma State University, and he is involved in the Aggie-X Club. After graduation, he intends to continue his family’s dairy farm legacy as well as teaching local youth in 4-H/FFA.
Ashley Wilson is from Bristolville, Ohio, where she grew up showing cattle and working on her family’s Holstein dairy operation. She is currently a freshman at Southern New Hampshire University, where she majors in Graphic Design and Media. After graduation, she intends to use her design and media knowledge to pursue a position with agricultural company.