Youve probably seen this if youve driven out of the city proper big slow moving cattle just hanging out in green fields or bushy spots. They look so chill either munching on grass or just standing there like theyve got all the time in the world. Honestly they are everywhere around here and feel like they ve always been part of the place.
Theres the light colored bunch white tan or gray with those big humps on their backs and floppy skin around their necks. Most of these are Brahman or local breeds that know how to handle our hot weather like pros.
Then there are the dark ones mostly black or deep brown with smoother bodies. A lot are crossbreeds, picked cause they grow fast and have good meat.
They look like they are just lazing around but theyre actually a big deal for local families. For so many folks here raising cattle isnt some side thing its how they make a living.
They all get up early to make sure the animals have enough grass and water keep an eye out if they get sick and take good care of them. And when the time comes the cattle help put food on the table and pay for things like school or repairs.
Some go to markets or local eateries others are saved for fiestas or big family gettogethers.
The spots they hang out in are pretty nice too tall grass, trees here and there dirt paths winding through. Its not all closed-up pens or anything they get to roam around and do their own thing. You’ll spot them near small roads or next to thick bushes finding shade when the suns blazing or stepping out when its cooler. Even though they are huge and heavy they move so gently you never really have to worry about them causing a ruckus. People just give them their space cause everyone knows this is their turf too.
They are way more than just farm animals to us. They are like a reminder of how we still keep it simple and work hard even as the city keeps growing. When you look at these photos youre not just looking at cows you are looking at a little piece of what makes feel like home.