Animal nursery just one attraction at 2020 Maitland Show

A whole range of farm animals are preparing to set foot in the showground to delight children - and teach them about agriculture.

The Farm Yard display will be the biggest the show has seen in years.

"There will be dairy goats, llamas and alpacas, pigs, sheep - and even a Holstein Friesian heifer that is 12-months-old," Maitland Showground manager Brett Gleeson said.

Children will even have the chance to meet a Persian sheep - which has a coat of hair instead of wool.

"They are a rare breed of sheep from the South African desert - we will also have a few other type of sheep there," he said.

"It's part of the education program and it encourages people to appreciate the animals and learn more about them."

Mr Gleeson, a dairy goat breeder, will hold goat milking demonstrations on Friday and Saturday.

"Some people have never seen a goat being milked. You usually get some old timers who come along to have a look because it brings back memories for them. The dairy goat used to be known as the poor man's cow. Goat milk is the closest milk to human milk," he said.

Miniature pigs will also be in attendance for a special "Pat a Pig" event. Children will have the chance to sit with a pig on their lap and give them a pat and a cuddle.

"Children don't often have a lot to do with pigs, so this is a way that they can learn more about them," Mr Gleeson said.

"Miniature pigs make great pets."

There will also be bee keeping, and reptile, demonstrations.

Organisers are ramping up the livestock judging this year to give the audience a better experience.

The cattle judging on Friday and Saturday, and the goat judging on Sunday, will feature microphones for the first time so the audience can hear the judge's comments and learn what traits they look for and why certain animals are ranked above others.

"It's frustrating to watch something and not be able to understand what is happening and why certain animals are being awarded the ribbons," Mr Gleeson said.

Sideshow alley will return with a range of rides to keep everyone entertainment - and there will be lots of showbags to choose from.

The RM Williams Australian Stock horse flag display will take over the main arena on Saturday at 3.30pm and 6.30pm. It's set to be a real treat. The display was a popular part of last year's program and is seen at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

There will also be camel races, tentpegging, vintage speedway, Team Isuzu D-Max and the Demolition Derby.

The Sons of Anzacs, a motorcycle club of Vietnam veterans, will offer the crowd a ride around the ring.

The fireworks display will be held on Saturday night at 9pm.

Click here for more details.