N E W S 

The Nyngan Showgrounds will be hive of activity and excitement long before the sun rises and the gates open at 9am on Saturday 7th August for the 2010 ''Country Energy‟ Nyngan Ag Expo!

Over 231 exhibitors will be on display including agriculture, livestock, machinery, presentations by Shannon Lush, Investment & Industry NSW and the Livestock Heath & Pest Authority, the Aussie Country Catering Food and Wine Extravaganza, demonstrations by Country Energy and the Dubbo Wood Turning and Wood Craft Club, workshops by Wrapertoire, Central West Catchment Management Authority‟s incentive programs, ICPA Fashion Parade, family fun with Fizzics Education, Bogan Shire sandpit and face painting, the Shearing Museum, antique engines and more… Entry is $5 for adults with children under 15 able to enter free.

The Skillion, Expo Paddock and Racecourse Bar are the locations for presentations throughout the day. At 10.30am & 2.00pm from the Skillion, the Livestock Health & Pest Authority will provide a presentation regarding the locust situation, checking your land for egg beds, a forecast and activities planned to combat the locusts.

Stain removal clinics will be held in the Skillion at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm. You are likely to have heard her on ABC radio, read her books and seen her on television. Now the lady behind the voice familiar to many, can meet Shannon Lush the cleaning and home hints guru with her name to books such as „Stainless‟, „Spotless‟ and the „Lush House‟ DVD.

Shannon will provide handy household hints which will include money, time and planet saving alternatives to commonly used products in addition to household organisation techniques. Shannon will also share information on how to add a little extra comfort in your life without squeezing your time or wallet.

"You are welcome to bring your stains for an on the spot diagnosis. I have never been stumped on a stain yet!" said Shannon.

At 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm visit the Expo Paddock to see and hear of the results of the Department of Industry & Investment NSW trial program regarding their onsite trial. Six varieties of wheat including Crusader, Eaglehawk, Gregory, Lincoln, IPB05/2148 and Sun44H in addition to barley variety Hindmarsh have been sown. With three strips of each, the first was untreated and placed at approximately 25mm depth, second untreated at approximately 45mm and the third treated with triadimenol (at a rate of 150g per 100kg of seed) sown at approximately 45mm depth.

The intention of the trial is to show what affect the seed dressing triadimenol might have on seed emergence and the length of the coleoptile growing from the seed.

At 1.30pm head over to the Race Course Bar for drinks and nibbles prior to the 2.00pm ICPA Fashion Parade featuring at least 30 outfits by "Vigorella". Carla Sparks of Style for Women in Cowra, will exhibit this range of Australian made products, designed for busy women, no ironing required. The range is extremely durable, and comes in nylon, cotton and wool options. "Vigorella" designs allows women to combine basic and stylish outwear to create a luxurious and comfortable look.

Models will parade a variety of colours across the full range of tunics, dresses, long sleeve T‟s, long line cardigans and accessories. Visit the Style for Women exhibit at any time throughout the day to appreciate the "Vigorella" range.

Nyngan Innovations will also showcase smart casual looks for men, women and children including RM Williams, Thomas Cook and Wrangler labels.

A lucky door prize of Signature Jewellery has been donated by Style for Women and there will be a chance to win two return airfares to Sydney courtesy of Regional Express airlines and the ICPA raffle. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event!

Country Energy has supported the expo from day one, and in 2010 the electricity supplier will continue to be the events major sponsor. "Country Energy is local, we are based here and we live here too, it is important for us to support our local communities and groups like the Nyngan Ag Expo committee that are focussed on creating events that bring continued economic benefits to the region," said Country Energy's regional general manager Pete Halliwell.

As in past years Country Energy will also be a major exhibitor at the expo, Pete said "The Expo gives Country Energy a unique opportunity to speak face to face some of their more remote customers. The Nyngan Ag Expo has gone from strength to strength, the event has stood the test of the harsh drought and it's been a pleasure to stand beside a committee that is so committed to their region,"

"Our display will focus on energy efficiency and safety; our Nyngan field service centre team will also be demonstrating some outdoor network maintenance techniques, scaling 11 metre power poles at the site. We will also be profiling some of the network projects in the area and showing customers how these improvements will benefit them," Pete said.

"Our popular cooking demonstrations will take place all day so make sure you drop into the Country Energy marquee for a cuppa and some friendly energy advice," he said.

Gold sponsor the Bogan Shire Council exhibit will be a 'hot spot' for families again this year. This site will give Dads and Mums a chance to take a seat, while children enjoy playing with toys in the sandpit, get busy at the craft table, dabble in some colouring in, play with balloons and have their face painted all under the shade of the tent.

Flyers regarding the services provided by the Bogan Shire Council and the Bogan Bush Mobile's regular events in Collie, Duck Creek, Girilambone, Hermidale, Marra, Marthaguy, Nevertire, Nyngan, Quambone, Tottenham, Trangie and Warren will be available.

Gold sponsor the Central West Catchment Management Authority's photography competition is open and with this year's theme of "Droughts & Flooding Rains' there should be some great entries. The CW CMA's aim is to exhibit an impressive collection of images that capture the magnificent landscapes and people that make the Central West Catchment a great place to live, plus it is open to everyone!

The CW CMA's latest round of incentive programs has opened with opportunities including farm planning, increasing soil carbon, the carbon cocky competition and small grants available. Visit the Central West CMA site at the Nyngan Ag Expo to talk about the latest funding and future directions for the catchment's natural resources for a sustainable future.

This year the livestock arena will be jam packed with 12 cattle exhibitors and 38 sheep exhibitors. David Smith, committee member said "We have alpaca and sheep breeds including merinos, samms, dohnes, dorpers, white dorpers and poll dorsets. Local and regional breeders from across the state will be represented on Saturday and visitors will also have a chance to visit the sites of Coggan Wool, Weston Fence, Elders, Shearing Supplies and Carter Lindsay & Weber, each of whom have a long association with the Nyngan Ag Expo."

Terry Tremain, chairman of the Expo said "Last year we had a fantastic day with an incredible number of enquiries across the livestock arena. Our cattle section continues to grow. We expect 80 to 90 head and this year breeds will include brafords, drought masters, brahmans, angus, shorthorns, charolais, poll herefords, mandalong specials, limousin and santa gertrudis.

David Butler, committee member said "Stockyard and fencing, shearing equipment, rural supplies, the Central West Livestock Health and Pest Authority and a kelpie stud will be just some of the many other businesses associated with the livestock arena. For those with chickens at home, visit the Chicken Tractor site to see some of the many chook pens available for domestic solutions.

"With businesses such as NAB Agribusiness, Robert Handsaker Ford, Parisi Motorcycles, Ecosmart, Landmark, Fargo, Telstra, Martel Accounting, Rabobank, & Special One Grain, the Expo will provide the perfect platform for visitors to find out more and various products and services can assist you at home and with your business" David said.

Chris Jones of Condobolin returns to the Nyngan Ag Expo with the Single Disc Drill, manufactured under license by Amity Technology, Fargo in the United States. With less than three moving parts per row, and the seeding assembly only requiring greasing once a year, the machine is very low maintenance and reliable.

Daryl Jackson of Aussie Country Catering said "After the success of last year's event we are really looking forward to coming back to Nyngan, to be a part of the Expo. The 'Aussie Country Catering' Food and Wine Extravaganza will reveal the most delicious and mouth-watering steaks, roasts, curries and sweet and sour dishes for palates of all types and ages.

"Our marquees are often used for garden weddings and functions throughout New South Wales and into southern Queensland, in fact with have 60 different marquees to choose from. Rural weddings are our specialty and we thoroughly enjoy visiting different regions and districts to meet new people and cater for their special event."

Singers Derek Thompson and Margie May Hockey will keep Expo visitors entertained under the Aussie Country Catering marquee with thanks to sponsors Nyngan Foodworks, Glen Neill Earthmoving, Jamie Fisher & Associations and Mart's Cafe.

Whilst enjoying the entertainment visit Jamie and Lucy of The Outback Motor Inn whose team will be running the bar with a great range of drinks including Arrowfield Wines, and an assortment of beers, soft drinks and spirits.

Families will have a great range of events and activities to choose from. Fizzics education was a hit with children and adults of all ages last year, and Ben will return to give two shows from 1pm to 1.30pm and again from 1.45pm until 4pm.

Get involved in the Vortex, Mirror Mirages, X-rays sleuth, Tornado Twister, Stomping Rockets, Handstampers and Boomwhackers. And if that's not enough see gigantic bubbles, flying toilet paper, hair-raising electricity experiments, bubbling liquid nitrogen demos, levitating beach balls, a giant gyroscope and much more!

Antique engine and vehicle restoration expert Duckie Clemens of Tullamore will exhibit the Shearing Museum. Made up of a series of rooms and doors which fold out from the trailer, the Museum is a working model of the history of shearing. Dogs chasing sheep and workers in the process of shearing. It includes handpieces and tools of the trade which date from 1883 to the present day.

Roy Schneider of Wellington Antique Engines will bring favourites from his collection of antique engines including a 1925 International M three horse power, 1942/1943 Moffat Virtue three horsepower, late 1940's/early 1950's Lister Junior with piston pump and a 1920's Hercules 1.75 horsepower prepared for the Expo. Liam Maynard's recently restored Moffat Virtue 2 ¼ horse power will also be on display.

If your family loves camping and the great outdoors, visit the Dubbo Fishing and Outdoors exhibit. George Loudon of Dubbo Bait and Tackle said "Not only will we bring bait & tackle, but also kayaks, swags, yabby pots, opera house traps, drop pots, landing nets, tackle boxes, rods, rod holders, reels, lines, books, fishing & hunting DVDs, hunting accessories , apparel, sunglasses and electric motors."

A new bouncing castle will also be a highlight for young families. This one has a slippery slide and no doubt will be responsible for lots of fun, grins and giggles! Families looking for information on educational opportunities will find the All Saints College and Kinross Wolaroi School exhibits most helpful.

The Dog Pro Plus Sheep Dog Trials will again be held in conjunction with the Expo. Joy White, event coordinator said "The Trials begin on Thursday 5th August and continue until Sunday afternoon. There are a record number of participants with 116 entries in the "RSL Encourage" event run conjunction with "Nyngan Toyota Novice". Another 138 entries have been received for the "Carter Lindsay and Weber Improver" event held in conjunction with the "Dog Pro Plus Open".

The Expo Committee would like to extend a special thank you to the ladies from the Nyngan Golf Club, who will greet visitors as they arrive at the gate. Jenny Holmes, President of the Ladies Golf Club said "The golf associates are only too happy to be involved in the Ag Expo and we look forward to continuing our involvement in the years to come.", and also to the Nyngan SES who will manage vehicle parking on the day.

Radio 2DU will air from the Expo site to keep you aware of events up to the minute. Western Magazine, The Land and Prime TV keep visitors up to date with events across the grounds.