Every year, the BT Young Scientist exhibition offers a glimpse into the future, or at least its possibilities. This seems increasingly true for the farming world. For instance, this year sees projects on 2018’s drought and fodder crisis, on micro-plastics in farming, and on bioplastics from milk.

There are a number of farm safety initiatives lined up for the exhibition, including early warning systems, Safeslat and a slurry gas sensor.

Broader issues, such as the sustainability of agriculture and how crops can withstand the effects of global warming, are also tackled.

Two intrigued me. The first, on long-distance farming, is submitted – perhaps appropriately – from St Fintan’s in Sutton, Co Dublin. The second, from St Anne’s in Killaloe, Co Clare, is titled Farmer Finder. Is it a sector-specific Tinder, perhaps? Macra will be worried if so. There’s only one way to find out. Head on over to the RDS from 9-11 January.