Students showcasing their projects at the 2021 virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, which will run from January 6 to 8, have demonstrated a growing awareness of dangers on the farm, delivering solutions and opportunities to protect farmers and animals from accidents and theft.
Projects for 2021 vary from new devices to assist in the safe transporting of cattle to a sheep tagging device to prevent theft.
In addition to farming-specific projects around issues such as equipment and machinery, there are a number of projects included in this year’s exhibition which would impact, improve or alter farming and agriculture activity including projects based on weather forecasting, food longevity and sustainability.
Trends
Key farming trends at the 2021 exhibition include: vertical farming; farm security; climate-friendly machinery; and farm pollution.
A vast array of topics of interest to farmers are covered, some of which are listed below.
Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, explored whether vertical farming can be used as a more efficient farming method than conventional arable farming in Ireland.
Templeogue College, Dublin, explored at epigenetics and its role in helping crops deal with climate change.
St. Brigid’s Secondary School in Kerry asked if vertical farming could be the future of healthy schools. Students from the Presentation College Wicklow, came up with a ‘Save Our Sheep (SOS) tracking system’.
Warning systems
Beara Community School explored the topic of preventing machine accidents with warning systems. Boherbue Comprehensive School has an entry on women in farming. ‘Bypass Construction, farm disruption?’ is the title of a project from St. Mary’s Secondary School, Cork.
Millstreet Community School students ask if Ireland’s eradication programme for bovine TB is effective. Also from Millstreet Community School is an entry on carbon sequestration in soils.
Colaiste Treasa, Cork, carried out an investigation into the ability of different pasture swards to sequester carbon.
Killorglin Community College investigated if the increase in temperature and humidity over the summer months affects the hatch rate of small poultry farms. St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, explored the effect of fertiliser on the growth of grass.
Meanscoil na mBraithre Criostai, Kilkenny, looked at how fertiliser affects wildlife and the environment. Students from the same school explored whether calendar farming works. Students from Castlecomer Community School looked at the effects of intensive farming on soil health.
Students from Carrick-on-Shannon Community School have an entry at the BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition on reverse trailer hitch. Mohill Community College students looked at the environmental impact of reusing grey water for agricultural purposes and the effect it has on plant growth.
Patrician Presentation, Tipperary, explored whether sheep’s wool can combat climate change.
The Abbey School, Tipperary, looked at the impact robotic assistance on farms has on mental health and animal welfare. ‘The New Norm for the Mart’ is the title of a timely project from Loreto Secondary School, Tipperary.
Students from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Westmeath, looked at an environmentally friendly way of drying off cows. The best straw bedding for housing cattle indoors over winter was investigated by students from St. Joseph’s secondary school, Meath.