Cattle are judged at a recent Sarasota Agricultural Fair. [CREDIT: Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability]

First, a 4-H volunteer will assist members who need help trimming their show/project cattle’s hooves, a task that must be completed routinely to keep the animal healthy and productive. This trimming service is scheduled for 5 p.m. January 26 (a Tuesday), at 9600 State Road 72. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this offer must call Miss Albritton at 650-9012 in advance to make arrangements.

Second, any swine to be entered in the Sarasota Fair must be tested for pseudo rabies and brucellosis no more than 30 days prior to the final entry for the fair. The process involves a certified veterinarian drawing blood from the animal (a technique also known as “swine bleeding”), and must allow time to obtain and certify test results. Contestants may choose their own veterinarian, but Fair officials have arranged for a veterinarian to provide this service at 5 p.m. February 22 (a Monday), at the Sarasota County office of the Florida Farm Bureau, 7289 Palmer Boulevard. The cost is $12.50 per swine, and anyone wishing to use the service must call Mr. Strickland at 924-6159 in advance.

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