If you are unsure whether to jump in the car and head to the final day of Norco Primex, let us convince you it is. The weather is a part of the experience; it adds to the authenticity. Just put on your boots.

If you forget your gumboots go to Bisley Workwear, they have you covered!

On the things to see list is the working dog demos. Dogs are such agile creatures, and this is as close to their natural state you want to see them - observing, diving and ducking out of the way just in time. These are star acrobats, tacticians and daredevils all rolled into one. 9.30 to 10 am in the southwest corner.

The Dinky Di Rail is a novel way to get around. It is free to use and very easy to call out and let them know you want to stop at whatever you see!

The cooking demos are always inspiring and often a treat, if not there, when you get to try it at home. There are plenty of amazing BBQ and smokehouse stalls to satisfy any hunger pains. From 10 to 11 a.m., there are two shows in Pavilion 2 and some others in the afternoon.

There are always the happy CWA ladies in the back of Pavilion 1 who have all kinds of delicacies to tempt you. There are ladies from a lot of branches all over the region working together to raise money to help support kids transitioning into higher levels of schooling.

(CWA ladies, Jo, Elly, Carol and Jennifer. I can recommend the raspberry and lemon cake!)

Karen Hurst and Tina Irish from Lismore City Council's Destination Lismore are launching Lismore’s “Great Pie Trail” at Primex. The trail names all the wonderful bakeries and pie shops to investigate around the area.

“We discovered on our travels that every little village and town made a really good pie. So this is a fun pie field adventure that you won't forget,” said Karen.

“There's something for everyone. You’ve got savoury, you've got sweet, and we even do exotic flavours really well in our region.”

The most unusual flavour is Prawn Laksa at Modanville, which is one of the more isolated destinations.

“But the drive is beautiful, and the views from town are amazing once you are there,” said Tina.  

Make sure you get a pie voucher when you visit them… 

Southern Cross University is running a hands-on demonstration using microscopes to understand soil health. However, you will only get the full experience between 10.30 and 11 a.m. The microscopes are part of their display (H12), but this gives you an in-depth look.

It gives you a deeper sense of appreciation for the food on your plate when you see all the work that goes into obtaining the right animals, fencing them in, feeding and nourishing them and keeping them healthy, getting the right amount of food and water to them in a weed-free location… Farming is a highly complex workflow of knowledge, technology and coordination.

The NSW Government Land Services pavilions have great displays, focusing on safety and caring for the land we depend on so much. There is also great entertainment with the Wildlife Twins, live music, and some demos of pretty crazy-big drones…

If you are on the verge of looking for an industry to work in, there are some great opportunities here, whether it is in industry or training to get to where you would like to be. If in doubt, ask. I have found people are happy to share their stories at Primex.

Getting up close and personal with some of the animals can be a real treat, too. Tiffany from the Yugilbah Station, a big Santa Gertrudis heifer, is keen to get a scratch from anyone. Hold your hand out, and she will do the rest. 

Over at the east end, there are LOTS of modes of transport, from farm plants to luxury vehicles and helicopters to see. At CAT, the kids can practice their digging in the sand pit, or you can just wonder about FIFity.

For those who like stealth photo bombing tech, Phil and Luke at Falcon UAV have a treat for you. Their stealth-looking drones take near-infrared imagery that can see things that the human eye can’t.

“The drones take special imagery that detects crop health. If a question area is found, you can go in and do testing on that soil. And then rectify by treating that specific area with the nutrients and the right biologicals it needs,” says Phil.  

Luke adds, “The nutrients to make that area ultra performing - the right amounts, in the right places. You save money, but because you're getting exactly what you need, where you need it.”

“Farming with a scalpel, not a Stanley knife!” quips Phil.

(Phil and Luke with their stealth photo bomber.)

That last phrase sums up a lot of what is on offer at Primex. Technology and ideas that make farming easier and more efficient.  

See you there! Gates open from 9am at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino.