Ag Notes: Stanislaus fair requires TB testing for heifers

By JOHN HOLLAND
jholland@modbee.com

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The Stanislaus County Fair is requiring bovine tuberculosis tests for dairy replacement heifers being shown and sold at this year's event.

The fair board took the action Tuesday in response to the detection of TB in three dairy herds in Fresno County by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The disease does not affect human health, but it could do major damage to the dairy industry if not controlled.

Although the tests are mandatory only for replacement heifers -- cows just starting their milk production -- officials urge them for all dairy cattle more than 6 months old.

Entrants can have their own veterinarians do the tests, or they can get them at free clinics next week:

4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the dairy unit at the Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 W. Blue Gum Ave.

The same times at the fairground's livestock parking lot, along Soderquist Road in Turlock.

The animals must return to the same locations July 14 or 15 between 2 and 8 p.m. to have the tests read. The fair will run July 25 to Aug. 3.

The California State Fair once again will honor farm-related businesses and organizations that are at least a century old.

The 2008 induction into the California Agricultural Heritage Club will take place at an Aug. 27 brunch in the midst of the 18-day fair in Sacramento.

The nominees can be farms, ranches, equipment dealers, trade groups, colleges, irrigation districts and other longtime contributors to the state's bounty.

The nomination deadline is Friday. For more information, contact Teresa McEntire at 916- 263-3598 or TMcEntire@calexpo.com. Information also is at www.bigfun.org.

To submit items about agribusiness, call 578-2385, send a fax to 578-2207, or send an e-mail to jholland@modbee.com.