Senator Mullin speaks with Alva FFA Reporter Katelee Martin.
“You’ll never change anything you’re willing to tolerate,” says Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
On Aug. 29, 2024, Mullin visited Alva, Okla., for a town hall meeting. During his presentation, Mullin spoke about new and upcoming topics in the U.S. Senate and gave foresight on possible government changes based on the upcoming election. Four Alva FFA officers, including Katelee Martin, Jansen Shirley, Brady Lott and Avery McMurphy, attended the meeting and spoke with Mullin.
Mullin grew up on a farm, so during his presentation, he reminisced about waking up at 3 a.m. to milk cows as a child. He still participates with the family farm and works on it when he isn’t in Washington, D.C. He said the decision to move from farm life to senator life was difficult, but he felt his faith called him to the change. Nevertheless, he was shocked by the difference between the big city and the Oklahoma countryside.
He lives by the adage, “Love the people, love the call,” and his love for the people of Oklahoma and the United States fueled his decision to become a senator and a voice for the state of Oklahoma.
The Alva FFA officer team poses with Sen. Mullin (far left).
FFA and the Future of Government
When asked how he thinks FFA members will impact the future of the government and society, Mullin said he believes that agriculture students will hold many positions of leadership in the future.
“Ag kids know the value of hard work, and they know there is no excuse not to go out and work hard every day,” he adds.
Mullin also spoke about the leadership skills FFA members gain through their experiences that other students may not have the opportunity to learn. He pointed out that some of the most well-spoken kids he has conversations with are FFA members, and he believes that as Generation Z becomes old enough to participate in politics as senators, representatives or even presidents, many of them will be former agriculture kids and FFA members.
The Farm Bill
When asked about the Farm Bill and its effect on agriculture students as they go into the agriculture workforce, Mullin said that there likely won’t be any new action until the outcome of the presidential election is announced. Mullin also said that most of the Farm Bill doesn’t focus on actual farmers. He hopes that, based on the upcoming election and appointments for national positions, the Senate will be able to revert back to putting more “farm” in the Farm Bill.
Overall, Mullin was insightful about the work of the Senate, the future of agriculture and FFA members, and the progress of the Farm Bill.
