This year's feature exhibitor might be Central West Beef but the opening day show was stolen by some swift ducks and canny dogs.

Duck herding was one of the many rural activities demonstrated on opening day as working dogs showed they could not only herd sheep but were also adept at directing ducks into their pen.

Working dog expert Tony Mulvihill said the demonstrations showed how well-trained dogs could operate and respond to farmers' commands.

Mr Mulvihill said while it was claimed Australia was built on the sheep's back it was actually the dogs who deserved the praise.

"Working dogs are our mates and without them this country wouldn't survive," he said.

"So many farmers don't place enough value on their working dogs."

Mr Mulvihill said good dogs cost their owners between $3000 and $30,000.

He said that was far less than farmers paid for expensive machinery but often the machinery was better looked after than the dogs.

Mr Mulvihill said it had been estimated the production value of a working dog to a farm was about $42,500 over five years.

"I reckon they're worth that every year," he said.

"They're an asset, they're not just a slave or a tool on the property."

The feature exhibit beef was on show on Thursday morning with groups of secondary school students from around Orange learning how to show and look after cattle.

About 48 pens of cattle, over 11 breeds, are on show at the Field Days.

With the drought continuing to drag on personal health and well-being has become an important message for the Field Days.

Check ups and advice for everything from hearing loss, blood pressure, breast screening and mental health is available at the Field Days.

The Western Sydney University-Bathurst Rural Clinical School Health Hub also features a Teddy Bear Hospital where bandaging and check-ups are in demand for bears of all sizes.

The gates open at 8.30am on Friday and Saturday as the 68th version of the Australian National Field Days heads into its busy two final days.