Hale County vs. Ochiltree County
Plainview & Perryton
Today’s match-up takes us deep into the Panhandle. Hale County, home to Plainview and Wayland Baptist University, is a center of education and agriculture. Ochiltree County, at the very top of the state, is the "Wheat Heart of the Nation." One is defined by university life and sausage legends (Jimmy Dean); the other by golden grain and energy. Both are pillars of the High Plains.
Hale County (PopulatioN Approx. 32,000)
Hale County is a regional hub. Plainview is home to Wayland Baptist University and a diverse economy including distribution (Walmart), agriculture, and manufacturing. It is also the birthplace of Jimmy Dean. The community is faith-based, family-oriented, and resilient. Challenges include water conservation and economic revitalization of the downtown area.
Ochiltree County (Population Approx. 9,800)
Ochiltree County sits on the Oklahoma border. Perryton is a bustling town supported by wheat farming, cattle, and the oil/gas industry. The community is known for its friendly spirit and its endurance through harsh weather (including recent tornadoes). It is the "Wheat Heart of the Nation," exporting grain globally. Challenges include isolation from major cities and maintaining infrastructure.
Why It Matters
Hale County educates the region's future leaders. Ochiltree County provides the raw materials for our daily bread. Both counties face the struggle of rural outmigration and the vital need for water conservation.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the student in Plainview and the farmer in Perryton both deserve a bright future.
In Hale County, the university brings young voters. Open Primaries would allow students and locals to elect pragmatic leaders who prioritize education and economic growth over partisan dogma. Ranked Choice Voting would help build consensus on local development.
In Ochiltree County, the agricultural voice is strong. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who understand the specific needs of wheat farmers and energy workers-like trade policy and rural roads-without fear of splitting the vote. It ensures the Top of Texas is heard.
Did You Know…
Jimmy Dean, the sausage king and entertainer, was born in Seth Ward (Hale County) and raised in Plainview.
Ochiltree County is known as the "Wheat Heart of the Nation" due to its massive grain production.
Wayland Baptist University in Plainview is home to the Flying Queens, the winningest program in women's collegiate basketball history.
Perryton (Ochiltree) was moved to its current location in 1919 to be on the railroad.
The Museum of the Llano Estacado in Plainview preserves the history of the region.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Hale residents love the Flying Queens games, the university culture, and the local history. Ochiltree locals love the golden waves of wheat, the resilient community spirit, and the stunning sunsets of the northern plains.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Red, White and Moo (Plainview/Hale): A July 4th celebration with a parade and milk fest.
Wheatheart of the Nation Celebration (Perryton/Ochiltree): Celebrating the harvest and community.
Jimmy Dean Music & Arts Festival (Plainview): Honoring the local legend.
Ochiltree County Fair: A classic community gathering.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
