THE Australian Year of the Farmer's replacement "big finish" events for 2013 have collapsed.

The revelation has come after The Weekly Times revealed last month financial troubles had forced the cancellation of several events.

A spokesman said a "lack of interest" forced the organisation to cancel B & S balls organised for the capital cities next month.

Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane lost their events, though Sydney's B & S ball on December 8 will still run.

A spokeswoman for the Australian Year of the Farmer said the Sydney function would "wind up" the year's events.

"This is to ensure that an end-of-year event is held to thank sponsors and stakeholders (and announce) prize winners," she said.

AYOF managing director Geoff Bell said the board had been forced to cancel most of the events because of its roadshow ran over budget.

Organisers replaced many events, with B & S balls billed as the "big finish" to the year.

While the spokeswoman said the events were cancelled because of a lack of ticket sales, event organiser Markson Sparks said they were postponed until early next year.

People who bought the $25 One Country discount cards sold during the now-cancelled roadshow were entered into a sweepstake to win a car and caravan, as well as other prizes, at a "promoter's gala dinner on December 8, 2012" - which is now the Sydney B & S ball.

"There was a clash with harvesting or something like that and we haven't had time to get the message out," a spokesman for Markson Sparks said of the failed events in other capital cities.

Melbourne's B & S ball was to be held on December 3 at the Sofitel Hotel with stars and media personalities such as John Williamson, Glenn McGrath and Catriona Rowntree.

Tickets were on sale for $250 to $500 each.

The balls were organised to replace a highlight of the year, the Innovation and Technology Expo, earmarked for the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on December 6-9.

Now neither will be held.

Nor will the Food of Origin Extravaganza, supposed to float down the Yarra early in December as a "living farm" display.

It has been cancelled along with the showpiece roadshow, which went way over budget after travelling more than 180,000km when it was supposed to travel only a third of that distance.

Questions have been asked in Federal Parliament about the $784,000 in public funds entrusted by state and federal governments to the year's organisers.