Angels Camp, CA…Due to an inadvertent error with the clippers some hair on a group of swine that were judged at this year’s fair was just a little bit too short for regulations. The animals were allowed to compete and some did very well and in normal years would have earned coveted spots at the beginning of the auction that usually brings the highest prices per pound. Because of the hair error they were moved to the end of the auction. So hopefully some of the buyers will realize that some of the highest quality animals this year will be later in the groupings. Below is a letter we received from a parent that has additional details on “Hairgate” this year..

File Photo

“I have attended the Calaveras County Fair for a couple of years now. I was under the impression that they have a great little fair that is a family event for kids and parents alike. I was wrong. I attended the swine show this year and was pleased to hear the judge speak so highly of the care and grooming of the animals in the swine show. I now find out that there was a group of animals that had hair 1/8 “ too short.

Your premium book states that if the hair is shorter, you MAY be disqualified. I am glad the fair chose to go ahead and allow these kids to sell, because it was an innocent mistake as you know, and have already been told by the leader that gave his group the wrong information. You as a board, had two options, according to your premium book…you could disqualify them, or allow them to sell…by choosing to let them sell, that was your choice. I do not believe that you have the right to let them sell, but put them at the end of the auction as a consequence. I spoke with Laurie, and she used the anecdote “If I’m speeding, there is a consequence” Yes! If you are speeding, you get pulled over, either you will get a ticket or you won’t. The policeman is not going to say, “Well, I’m not going to give you a ticket, but you have to turn around and drive the other direction” No! He has the decision to make of either giving you a ticket or not! You know what you did wrong, and hopefully you wouldn’t do it again…

I hope to come to the fair on Sunday morning and find that each child is placed in the auction in the spot they earned. Mr. Mendes placed these children’s hogs and that is the order I expect to see on Sunday. I do not want to take this further, but I truly feel that your board has made a poor decision, and it needs to be reversed…
I am also alarmed to find that members were not told that their animal was in question, and when asked to re-measure in front of the member and parent, this request was refused. Please do the right thing, since the slaughter house has agreed to take them, let these kids sell in the order they are supposed to, and do not take that away from them.”