OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Minco Republican Phil Richardson says he plans to retire from the House and won't seek a fifth term in office in November.

The 70-year-old farmer and veterinarian announced Monday that he plans to step down and return to his family's farming and cattle operations.

Richardson's House District 56 stretches through portions of Caddo, Grady and Kiowa counties, including the communities of Fort Cobb, Anadarko and Chickasha.

First elected in 2004 when Republicans took control of the House, Richardson has focused mostly on rural issues and currently serves as chairman of the House Agriculture, Wildlife and Environment Committee. He served during the interim this year as co-chairman of a joint House and Senate committee that focused on developing a new 50-year water plan for the state.