Feed supplier rejects allegations supplement killed 400 breeder cattle on one farm

Less than two years after John Foote changed supplements for his herd, more than 400 cattle were dead, but those who sold him the supplements have rejected any responsibility.

The series of events happened at at time when the Far North Queensland cattleman was expanding and consolidating his cattle breeding and fattening operation.

After 20 years of toil in the cattle and plumbing game, prices were jumping, and it finally seemed he was getting ahead.

But within a year, that all changed. His cattle suddenly became sick and were dying, and calving rates in his herd dropped from a good average of 70 per cent to only 30.

“They were as poor as crows,” Mr Foote said.