I Always Wanted to be a Cowboy
Alex, one of our BDA cowboys, in his element on BDA farm.
PASTURE // 3.31.20
It was as if the zipper to the sky had broken. For what had felt like weeks, rain saturated the land. Yet despite the less-than-ideal conditions, work called.
Alex and Justin, two of our cowboys, were sitting at the lunch table, getting a quick bite and reprieve from the unrelenting weather. I’d only been at the farm for about 6 weeks, and my understanding of the operations (and its people) was still in infancy. While normally my work kept me at my desk, I asked if I could tag along for the afternoon duties.
Alex asked if I had seen the Pineywoods yet. When I said no, he offered an invitation to meet the creatures up close during his afternoon duties.
As lunch wrapped up, Alex directed me to the mini-truck, a two-seater vehicle the length of a Prius. It was utterly covered in mud.
“Yeah, you’re going to buckle up for this one,” he said.
One of BDA’s Pineywoods—a heritage breed of cattle now endangered.
The constant downpour escalated the ditches and canals that traverse the BDA pastures. While the mini-truck was designed for rough terrain, the land was certainly making the vehicle earn its reputation.
In between the jolting from the drenched soil and the near-underwater passages, I managed to ask Alex about the Pineywoods and how he ended up here as their caregiver.
The Pineywoods are our heritage breed of cattle. Brought to the Americas by the Spanish in the 1500s, the breed is now endangered. Because they are not a common sight on farms nowadays, it’s rare for a rancher to have experience (or even exposure) to such an animal. It’s especially rare that, at 21, Alex has the responsibility of a primary provider. His experience and deep-seeded passion for the work is evident once he begins talking.
“I’m originally from South Alabama, the Magnolia Springs area. I grew up around cattle. Somehow, I was introduced to the family that kept this breed alive… These animals are my pride and joy.”
Every day he visits them, running through a mental checklist: check the water, look out for the calves, assess the grass for their upcoming rotation. On a typical day, his goal is to see all of them, especially the cows and calves. While like other farms we employ data and science in our normal practices, we balance that with an empathy-centric approach.
Exploring the pasture and the Pineywoods herd in the mini-truck.
It might be surprising for someone unfamiliar with animals that their bodies, like ours, show the signs of their sickness or distress. Droopy ears, coughing, or lagging behind the pack can be a sign of fatigue or of an upcoming illness. It is Alex’s duty to be in sync with the animals, understanding how they feel and what they need from him. He just doesn’t just rely on numbers to tell them when things are not right; he builds a relationship with the animals and works off of it.
“If they’re feeling run down, it’s normally nothing. They have good days and bad days just like us, but you still have check. If I see one is feeling a little under the weather one day, I make sure to check back on them the next,” Alex said.
For him, there is nothing else he’d rather be doing. Riding shotgun, it was evident that caring for these animals is more than a job.
Pineywoods relaxing alone in the back fields.
“I always dreamed of growing up and being a cowboy. We grew up around cattle, but over time the profession started to phase out. Being close to the Gulf Shores area, the land was developing for tourism. Those who continued farming either grew row crops or sod. I just wanted to keep [cattle farming] going.”
When he first found his way to BDA, Alex was an intern. We then asked him to stay longer… and longer… and then a little longer after that. He’s now rounding out his 3rd year at the farm. He reflected on his time here, talking about what he’s learned under Dr. Williams and how he deploys those practices every day in the field.
Just before we finished our tour, Alex said we had to find his favorite, that she’ll let you get up-close. He spotted her relaxing by her lonesome in one of the back fields and pulled the mini-truck within 2 feet of her.
While I was hesitant, Alex encouraged me to get closer. As I slid myself out of the car and unto her level for a picture, she struck a gorgeous profile. I had a better understanding of why he loves these animals so much (and why he’s the right person for this job.)
Alex out in our pastures during spring.
More Stories:
