At the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association annual convention, Associate Farm Editor Carli Davenport spoke with Debbie Mullen, recently honored as the Cattlewoman of the Year by the Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Association, who expressed heartfelt gratitude about the recognition. “I’m just feeling overwhelmed, excited, a bit shocked, but just so happy.” A fourth-generation cattle producer, Debbie has been immersed in agriculture her entire life. “I’m back on our home farm raising cattle. Raise a little bit of hay. It’s a small operation, but it’s who I’ve been my whole life.”
Her involvement with the Oklahoma CattleWomen began out of curiosity and quickly evolved into a leadership role. “Several years ago, I decided to join them, just to see what they were doing.” Encouraged by Connie Tabor, she became Southeast Director and helped launch the Green Country CattleWomen, representing McIntosh and Muskogee Counties. Leveraging her teaching experience at Connors State College, she collaborated with Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst from OSU to establish the Connors State Collegiate CattleWomen. “Started out with eight, and it just took off… in May of ‘25, we ended up with 30.”
Debbie’s passion lies in advocating for beef and educating others about its value. “We wear our eat beef T-shirts. We pass out beef sticks. We’re always advocating for beef.” She emphasizes the importance of joining the CattleWomen’s Association, explaining, “There are so many avenues we can be involved in and get that message out there.” She encourages members, especially students, to share the nutritional benefits of beef and to “always look for opportunities in the community, at the college level, in the schools.”
Winning Cattlewoman of the Year holds deep personal meaning for her. “To be recognized by such outstanding women in the business that we have… It’s just the greatest honor I’ve ever received.” Debbie was particularly touched knowing that some of her students were part of the nomination process, adding, “It’s just something I’ll cherish forever.”
Looking ahead, Debbie is focused on growing the Collegiate CattleWomen and expanding youth outreach. “We want to kind of target the kindergarten through third [grades] because they don’t have the Ag background.” She plans to bring beef education into classrooms and teach children about agriculture’s importance early. “Eighty-five percent of what you’ve learned is by the time you’re six years old,” she noted, stressing the need to promote “the nutritional value and just what a great, great opportunity it is to be a part of agriculture.” Congratulations, Cattlewoman of the year, Debbie Mullen.
