| Oklahoma City, O.K. – On Saturday, September 6th, 2025, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a lifelong cow-calf rancher, traveled to Southwest Oklahoma for a meeting with rural agricultural producers in the Altus community. Senator Mullin spoke with Oklahomans at the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA) regarding warehouse operations, drought and water planning, and the challenges of getting Oklahoma cotton to lucrative markets. U.S. Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO), a 4th generation farm operator and the Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, was also in attendance. “Altus Air Force Base, our cotton farmers, and the entire Altus agricultural community are closely linked by the availability of resilient, high-quality water,” said Senator Mullin. “We spoke about the need to maintain and grow supplies of water for the local economy to thrive. It’s always a source of pride that a relatively small town like Altus, OK has the power to support a critical military base that’s equipping the next generation of airmen. It’s key that we support the military and ag partnership in Altus to help to secure the future of Southwest Oklahoma for all who call it home.” “During our meeting, cotton farmers spoke about current federal regulatory issues, and the overall need to cut down on red tape—I heard them loud and clear,” Mullin concluded. “I appreciate Altus leading the charge on water resilience with support from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Oklahoma Rural Water Association, and the U.S. Department of War. I’ll continue to be a strong partner on the federal level to promote Altus’ long-term growth and success.” Senator Mullin and Chairman Smith began their cotton facility visit with a briefing from leaders from PCCA and the Altus community. PCCA leadership provided a warehouse development update and detailed an ongoing groundwater project aimed at limiting evaporation and bringing quality water to Altus airmen and its citizens by eliminating organic matter in the water supply. DSLR Photos are HERE and a 30-second b-roll package of the visit is available HERE. In attendance at the meeting with Senator Mullin: Jackson County cotton farmers Carson Vinyard, Charlsey Vinyard, and Ben Schulz; Mitch Worrell, Chairman of the Altus Lugert Irrigation District; Steve Allison of Western Equipment; Keeff Felty of the National Association of Wheat Growers; Jeremy Gifford and Tracy Springs of the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association; Will Archer, Manager of the Mountain Park Master Conservancy District; Chuck Butchee, President of the Jackson County Water Board; and Tom Buchanan, Manager of the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District. Also present at the meeting were Sean Bates and Barry Mock, two members of the Altus-Lugert Irrigation Board; Mike Schulz, Manager of the OSU Irrigation Station; Mike Wallace, Jackson County Commissioner; and Glen Winters of the Jackson County Farm Bureau. While in Altus, Senator Mullin had the opportunity to review two massive pieces of farming equipment—a John Deere CS770 Cotton Stripper and a John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker. The Senator also had the chance to test drive the impressive machinery while on-site. The Senator later remarked, “I often say, if Washington, D.C. looked more like rural Oklahoma, our country would be in much better shape. While we’ve accomplished a lot for Oklahoma working alongside President Donald J. Trump, it’s tough to be away from the people and the state I call home. My best days are back in Oklahoma, and I’m grateful to the cotton farmers who took time over the weekend to visit with me about their priorities. I’ll never stop fighting for the Sooner State.” Before departing the cotton facility, Senator Markwayne Mullin and Chairman Jason Smith recorded a quick social media video for Oklahomans detailing some of the most critical wins for America’s farmers in the recently passed ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’ Follow @SenMullin on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram for regular real-time updates from the Senator. ### |