Bankruptcy Judge Lets Tyson Feed 54,000 Cows Amid Ranch Feud
- Easterday Ranches won court order enabling it to buy food
- Chapter 11 filing came after fraudulent billing lawsuit
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A U.S. bankruptcy judge protected a much-needed cash infusion for Easterday Ranches Inc., helping ensure that its 54,000 cattle will continue to eat.
The cattle farm in Washington state filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday after its only customer, Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., sued for more than $200 million, claiming it was being billed for the upkeep of bovines that don’t exist, court papers show. Tyson slashed payments to the ranch, and Easterday quickly ran low on cash, threatening its ability to feed the animals.