Cattle Pusher

As smoke began to pour from the rear of his trailer, Jim pulled off to the side of the road. I pulled off as well a few hundred feet ahead of him to offer a hand. Walking back I noticed Jim's gaze, as if giving me the once over to determine my intent. As I approached, I raised my hand with a smile on my face, "Hello there, can I give you a hand?"

I've been on Jim's tail for nearly 3 hours. Passing across the Great Plains just outside Rock Springs, Wyoming. After a few minutes of small talk, I learned that Jim is moving a load of steer across the state to his ranch in South Dakota. This is one of a dozen similar routes he pushes through every month to make ends meet. Delivering cattle across Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, Nebraska and as he put it, "I'll even go southern yonder into Cole (Colorado) when the money's right with me."

"Most people don't think 'bout where their food comes from. They just go into a joint, grab a steak and don't think about what it took to get it in their face. I'd like to think I do my part to make sure people eat, even though us farmers don't get much respect these days", he said with a reverence in his voice.

Jim and I sat on the side of the road for nearly an hour replacing the brake pads on his trailer while sharing stories. His tools were equally as aged as was his body. Hard winters and long summer days have worn on Jim, like a reliable coat you'd never part with.

With a firm and thankful handshake, I parted ways with Jim. The Cattle Pusher was back on the road, making sure you and I enjoy our next meal. Thank you Jim.