Methven A&P Show has made the call to cancel its March 19 show but will still run its standalone community competitions and auctions.
It was a heartbreaking decision that had gutted committee members, association secretary Pip Ivey said.
However, with the printing of the show schedule looming, and no "bright line on the horizon" over a move from the Red traffic light protection framework, the call was made, she said.
The committee had been very stringent with spending and kept costs low for as long as possible, she said.
But had to commit to the print now, if it was going to go ahead.