Veteran northern cattle industry identity Alastair Henderson passed away suddenly this morning, having suffered a heart attack while returning to the beach after his morning surf.

Mr Henderson, a veterinarian by trade, was widely known across Northern Australia, firstly as a vet during the BTEC eradication campaign in the 1970s and 80s, and later through his work with grazing management consultants, Taylor Byrne Agribusiness.

Taylor Byrne managed an assortment of large grazing operations across northern Australia for various clients, both domestic and overseas-based.

Alastair was an active member and director of the Australian Veterinary Association and served for lengthy periods on the North Australian Beef Research Council.

He was also one of the instigators and guiding hands behind the Northern Pastoral Group, a low-key but influential gathering of the region’s larger pastoral companies.

He lived on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Funeral arrangements will be advised later.