Miss Clancy of Pleasant Hills in the eastern Riverina was named Walbundrie Showgirl in 2018 before going on to win the Sydney honours earlier this year.

She said maintaining infrastructure at showgrounds was essential for communities and country towns.

"Showgrounds are often used for more than just the local show," she said.

"They are used for a lot of other events throughout the year."

Miss Clancy, who works as an agronomist, said she has noticed that a lot of showgrounds have facilities and amenities that could benefit from the funding.

In the past eight months she has travelled to 12 different country shows. Her visit to Albury on Friday will tally the visits to 13.

She said the timing of the announcement was good in terms of boosting spirits for country townships.

"This is a really good initiative," she said.

The AgShows funding is being rolled out under the title of Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants and applications opened on Thursday.

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Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the grants program would reinvigorate showgrounds and help boost communities in his electorate, at a time when the drought continues to bite.

"This is an excellent opportunity for regional ag shows ... to revitalise their infrastructure and assets," Mr Coulton said.

"Having formerly been president of my local show society at Warialda, I know how much time and effort goes into ensuring these shows go off without a hitch, but show societies need our support and they need proper infrastructure," he said.

Mr Coulton said local show societies and state and territory agricultural show peak bodies could be eligible to receive grants of up to $500,000 to upgrade, maintain, buy or build new showground infrastructure and attractions.

"This funding is in addition to the $720,000 the Coalition Government is providing to Agricultural Shows Australia to use the agricultural show network to promote the value and role of farmers," Mr Coulton said.

Minister for Agriculture Senator Bridget McKenzie said agricultural shows were part of our national identity.

"They showcase the pinnacle and pride of local produce that often spans generations of tradition and know-how," Minister McKenzie said.

"Most of the 580 agricultural shows held annually in Australia are regionally based and they bring communities closer together especially in times of drought and other hardships."

Grants could be used for repairs or upgrades of existing showground facilities such as outdoor seating, new infrastructure such as a grandstand or assets like portable sheep holding yards.

Applications close December 13, 2019 with successful applicants expected to be announced in the first half of 2020. For more details and to apply visit GrantConnect at www.grants.gov.au and search ID 'GO3044'.