Listen: Country Calendar also not interested in televising Young Farmer contest

Today's panel on The Country - Nadine Porter (left) and Jane Smith. Photo / Supplied

The lack of television coverage for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final has been a blow for rural New Zealand, especially since the iconic event is celebrating its 50th Anniversary next year.

Nadine Porter spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today saying it has been a difficult couple of years trying to get television coverage for the contest. She is particularly disappointed that Country Calendar is also uninterested in broadcasting Young Farmer of the Year.

Listen below:

"We feel like we're banging our heads against a brick wall."

Jane Smith is also upset with the lack of interest in televising the competition, but hopes that live streaming and social media will offer a more far-reaching global audience of rural and urban viewers.

Also in today's interview the panel debate whether or not alternative proteins are a threat to New Zealand farmers.