Defence to drop hay to starving Qld cattle

The defence force will drop food for hungry cattle cut off by floodwaters in Queensland.

Queensland farmers will use Google Maps pins to tell defence aircraft where to drop hay to hungry cattle suddenly cut off by floodwaters after years of drought.

Fodder will be brought in from the Northern Territory and NSW as soon as Wednesday to feed thousands of cattle that have spent days standing in cold winds and ankle-deep water.

"Whilst the logistics are still to be worked out, the Australian defence force will use its aircraft to help our farmers," federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said on Wednesday.

Bales will be donated by farmers in other states but who will pay for much of the fodder is yet to be decided, AgForce chief executive Michael Guerin said.

He says the industry representative is working on an app that will allow producers to drop a pin on Google Maps indicating high ground on their property and the location of their herds.

Graziers in some parts have received their annual rainfall in less than a week, causing stress among herds and making it difficult for them to move around and find food.

It comes after years of drought.


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Source: AAP


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