To ensure things run smoothly, traffic conditions will be changed and an army of volunteers will be directing traffic in car parks, dealing with rubbish and feeding tens of thousands.

More than 25 community groups will provide service jobs on the site, each hoping to earn vital funds for their organisation, school or footy team.

HMFD Chief Executive Belinda Anderson said more than 500 people from various groups help make the event successful each year by waiting tables, running kiosks, and setting up pavilions.

"These clubs rely on the funds they earn at this time to ease the burden throughout the year," she said.

Despite the drought and hard times facing many farmers, exhibitors arriving at Henty Machinery Field Days are cautiously optimistic, says chief executive Belinda Anderson.

"We certainly feel for those who are doing it hard, and we have heard stories of stock being turned onto crops which have not advanced enough to bale," she said.

Chairman Nigel Scheets said had experienced a testing time recently.

"But the spirit of the Australian bush is tough and resilient, and, when times improve, these communities will flourish again," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

This year HMFD celebrates the 45th anniversary of the Henty Machine of the Year Award.

When the award debuted in 1974 it aimed to promote and develop efficiency. Since, it had become a highly regarded award with many past winners becoming household names.

Transport NSW southwest regional director Lindsay Tanner has warned residents and visitors to expect delays and traffic queues along the Olympic Highway, between Albury and Wagga over the next week.

Already harvesters, tractors and other machinery have made their way down the highway to the site.

"Henty Machinery Field Days is regarded as southern Australia's single biggest agricultural event," Mr Tanner said.

"Visitors travel up to 500 kilometres to attend the annual event where they can buy, learn, research, make contacts and socialise in what can be a very isolating industry.

"This coming together of the masses puts pressure on the usually quiet roads around Henty, in particular the Olympic Highway intersection with Henty-Cookardinia Road."

Traffic controls and reduced speed limits will be in place for the safety of motorists during the event from Tuesday to Thursday.

"All motorists not travelling to the machinery field days are asked to plan their journeys, and find an alternative route where possible," Mr Tanner said.

"Oversize heavy vehicles not related to the field days are also asked to avoid travel on the Olympic Highway between the Hume Highway and Sturt Highway during the event."

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow directions.