Organisers of the rodeo, which has run the first weekend in February since 2013, announced their decision to cancel the 2020 rodeo less than a week before the event was due to run.

"The rodeo is organised by a very small hard working committee of five who have worked tirelessly for last seven years to organise and run the event," said Ballarat rodeo committee member and Southern Cross Rodeo Circuit secretary Erin Beattie.

"As you can imagine running a rodeo is a massive job and unfortunately this year due to extremes in climate with drought and fires committee members have had to focus on their own livestock and properties and have not had the time or the resources to commit to the rodeo.

"In addition to this, ongoing escalating costs associated with the running of the rodeo and difficulties in obtaining sufficient sponsorship have contributed to the rodeo not running."

The not-for-profit event has run for the past seven years as a fundraiser for Beyond Blue and the Victorian rodeo circuit, attracting an audience of about 2000 people and competitors from across Australia.

Ms Beattie expected the rodeo would be back on the calendar for 2021.

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"We aim to be back bigger and better then before next year and would like to encourage any business or organisation who wishes to be involved in the Ballarat rodeo through sponsorship to contact the committee," she said.

Rodeo fans can still get their fix of extreme riding action at the Professional Bull Riders Australia Ballarat Stampede event at the showgrounds on Saturday, March 7.

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