The Innovation Arena at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Farmers Journal and the National Ploughing Association is set to be the biggest yet, with over 60 entries.

For me, it has become Ireland’s premier agri-technology showcase event and gives people a glimpse into the future of agriculture.

From the low-tech cattle safety devices to the latest internet of things (IoT), it shows how farmers and agribusinesses will continue to adapt and change to find efficiency and make our farms safer.

There is definitely a greater emphasis on safety this year, with plenty of ideas aimed at reducing deaths and injuries on farms. They will be looked at with interest.

The arena itself continues to innovate.

The total prize fund this year is in excess of €70,000 including a top prize worth over €15,000 for the most innovative startup.

There will be people available throughout the day to help you get your own ideas ready for the market in time for 2018.

Vote

This is the second year you will have the chance to vote for the business you think deserves to win the People’s Choice Award.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award can be done online here or through the ploughing app.

Voting will be limited to the top 20 companies on Monday 18 September. The winner will be announced at 2pm on Thursday 21 September.

Here is the list of businesses you can vote for: Irish innovation at the Ploughing .