The NSW Government is providing expert advice and a variety of interactive displays for the rural community at the Henty Machinery Field Days on 22-24 September.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) shed is located at site ZA and will offer valuable information on livestock, crops, produce and courses available.

NSW DPI communications officer salinity Elizabeth Madden said producers can bring in a water sample to be tested for salinity at the Soil and Salinity display.

"They can also purchase their own soil and water testing kit," Ms Madden said.

"Beef cattle and a police horse will be on display in the stock yards and NSW DPI beef officers Kate Parry, Brian Cummins, Steve Exton and John Irwin will be on hand with the cattle ready to field any questions about beef cattle production.

"The popular PitStop mens health display will also be available to encourage producers to be proactive about their health.

"There is also the opportunity to speak with our fruit fly experts about protecting food production in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and keeping fruit fly out of your backyard fruit trees.

"Take time to visit five acres of demonstration plots on a guided tour, which includes the latest cereal and pulse varieties, perennial pastures and annual clovers.

"This year there will be an increased area of Round-up ready and Clearfield canola varieties with their respective herbicide treatments.

"Earlier in the year a question sheet based on DPI displays was sent to 48 southern NSW high schools, so students can work their way through the question sheet by speaking with DPI staff.

"Also inside the DPI shed, at the EH Graham Centre display you can improve your understanding of fruit and vegetables, using the on-line Supermarket botany program.

"Producers can check if their current chemical skills need updating sign up for accredited training in chemical use through SMARTtrain and view our training materials."

The Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre will also be on site, so producers can find out about the latest PROfarm and FarmReady courses offered through the centre.

"The DPI Feed Quality Service is once again a highlight in the shed, proving immensely valuable in the current drought," Ms Madden said.

In July 2009, the NSW DPI became part of Industry & Investment NSW, which has been established to assist in building a diversified State economy that creates jobs.

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669