How to let people test-drive a huge piece of machinery or try an experience - yet make sure it's compact, portable, engaging and able to withstand a lot of people?

That's where exhibitors at AgQuip 2019 made a big mark, with several experiences on offer this year.

Among them was a virtual tractor test-drive, virtual water checks, virtual helicopter piloting and even a virtual chicken.

Poultry Hub Australia brought the latter, "Vicky", which allows people to explore the bird from the inside out, including the cuts of meat within.

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Hub director, Associate Professor Tamsyn Crowley, said it was "educational and also a really great engagement tool".

"At AgQuip, it's just for people to have a look at, but we target it more broadly from public engagement sessions right up to people scoping out for university courses," she said.

"When you attract people with something like technology and virtual reality, you start a conversation.

"Particularly in poultry, we have a lot of challenges ... We want to give people an opportunity to look inside a chicken and it's more sustainable if we're not killing chickens every time."

At the Case IH site, people could get "behind the wheel" of the Connect Magnum - unveiled in North America this year and not due to be officially launched to the Australian market until late 2020.

The virtual test-drive was the same seat, armrest and display farmers could expect in the cab of the real thing, advanced farming systems product manager Andrew Kissel said.

That made the set-up great for marketing, training and dealer education, he said.

"When you look at any sort of virtual reality technology, it's such an immersive experience; it allows people to feel as if they're almost there," Mr Kissel said.

"Having the simulated tractor is that much more realistic than just a display sitting on a tabletop."

Over at the Landmark site, people were trying out Farmbot's remote water-monitoring technology, which allows farmers to virtually check the water levels in their tanks and dams, using their smartphone or computer.

They can also check their water use trends; and whether there is a fault or leak.

"There's not a farmer who doesn't wake up in the morning and their first thought is about the weather and water," managing director Andrew Coppin said.

"Water monitoring technology is a game changer for farmers - it's a massive time saver, but it is also gives farmers peace of mind, reduces labour costs, wear and tear on machinery and allows for far greater productivity."

And while it's not on the farm - in fact, it's well off it - the Australian Defence Force display allowed visitors to virtually take to the skies.

The exhibit allowed visitors to virtually pilot the EC-135 T2, a military training helicopter.

Senior military recruiting officer, Commander Casey Scully-O'Shea said the ADF had exhibited at AgQuip "looking for results-oriented problem solvers to join its team".

Defence Force Recruiting said about 700 people had visited the display, and more than 400 had taken up the challenge of testing their pilot skills on the simulator.