The 2004 Tocal Field Days, held 30 April - 2 May 2004 at the Tocal Agriculture Centre near Paterson in the Hunter region, marked the 21st year of the event. A total of 382 exhibitors and 29,000 visitors attended over the three days, confirming it as one of the largest agricultural shows on the NSW calendar.

Following a suggestion by members of the Co-operatives Council (an advisory council to the Minister for Fair Trading, established under the Co operatives Act) the Registry of Co-operatives and Associations organised a stand at this year's event to disseminate information about co ops, associations and the services provided by the Registry. The Newcastle Fair Trading Centre also participated, answering inquiries in relation to general consumer and trader issues.

Hundreds of people visited the stand seeking information on co-ops and associations. The greatest number of inquiries were in relation to the structure of co-operatives. Visitors included a group interested in forming a co operative of wine makers, another seeking to set up a combined trade services organisation and one inquiring about forming a co-operative to grow and market snails for culinary purposes.

The Registry has earmarked the event for next year.