A COMMUNICATION breakdown between the States and West Show organisers has resulted in the event being unnecessarily downsized. Foot-and-mouth restrictions had prevented cattle, sheep, pigs and goats from entering this year for fear of the disease spreading.

But it was not until a phone call yesterday that organisers discovered the ban had been lifted and cloven-hoofed animals were allowed in after all.

It is understood that a letter sent by agricultural officers last week to notify members of the rule reversal went astray.

Show president Don Ashplant said he was ‘pleased but annoyed’ as the news had come so late.

‘We had a phone call this morning to say it was all right to have cloven-hoofed animals in the show, but unfortunately the farmers won’t bring their cattle because it’s too short notice,’ he said.

‘The goats are coming and there may be a few sheep and pigs if we’re lucky, but the cattle would have been the main livestock attraction.

‘Apparently a letter was sent out last week but we never received it. I think there was a breakdown in communication between the advisory officers and the vets.

‘It is annoying because we would have had an excellent entry.’

The show will go on despite the wet weather forecast.

Forty or so committee members have been working since Saturday morning setting up tents to house horticultural and agricultural exhibits.

Mr Ashplant said the wind and rain were ‘unfortunate’ but there was nothing that could be done.

‘We have to carry on and hope that Wednesday and Thursday are better and people come along to support us,’ he said yesterday.

‘The members have worked really hard to make this happen.

‘There is a lot of water on the ground, so if we can stop the movement of vehicles around the site it should minimise the mud.

‘Most things are happening inside tents, so as long as people bring their wellies they should be fine.’