In April 2020, while Ireland was in full lockdown, the website, Premium Promotions, was born, in the hope of finding a new legal avenue to sell livestock through a competition-based system.
Based in Tuam, Co. Galway, Premium Promotions is owned by Michelle and Norman Connolly, who run an 85 suckler and 50 in-calf heifer herd.
Speaking to That’s Farming, the Connollys said: “The idea we had was to develop a website where livestock and agricultural products could be won at a fraction of their original cost through a competition using a skill-based entry system.”
“Marts were looking like they were closing and as the fear of no outlet to sell animals loomed, we had to look outside the box.”
What prizes are up for grabs?
All prizes that have been sourced and include in-calve, breeding and show heifers, sheep, trailers, tool kits and many more.
“We have picked the best animals currently in our herd and now we are looking to find other prizes from outside our farm.”
They have branched out and worked with some of Ireland’s best-known companies and cattle and sheep breeders.
“Ivybrook Suffolks wanted us to do two of his Suffolk ewe lambs and he made a donation of all his proceeds to The Irish Cancer Society. “
“O’Haire Trailers in Kilmaine, who collaborated with us to first do a builder’s trailer and later we went on to doing a livestock trailer.”
“We were also approached by Chris Meehan; his in-calf cow and heifer calf [pictured above] sold out in six hours on the site.”
“Niamh Oliver, who after seeing the success that Chris, her husband, had, decided to run a competition for three of her Beltex ewe lambs, and they went to a lovely new home in Leitrim.”
“We continue to get interest from other breeders wanting to get involved with us to put their animals up for a competition.”
“We are in talks with some quality breeders. As the summer shows have been cancelled, we hope to provide an outlet for them to a new avenue for their quality animals.”
The company currently has a Simmental-cross-Limousin heifer [pictured below] up for grabs – You can purchase a ticket for €29 here.
How does it work?
Each competition has a set number of entries and price per entry ranges from €12-€50.
You enter the competition by answering the entry question correctly; this then allows you to enter the competition and pay an entry fee.
You will receive an email confirming your entry to the competition and the entry number.
Once all numbers are filled for that competition, a live draw is conducted on Facebook where winners are selected by a random number generator.
[Click the logo to find out more]
Future
“We have a few exciting weeks ahead with further expansion and some very appealing sell out competitions coming your way.”
“If you are interested in putting one of your A-rated, pedigree or commercial animals up for a competition, email – [email protected] – or send us a message on Facebook with all details and current photographs of the animal.” the couple concluded.
Social media
Like Premium Promotions’ Facebook page or see their website to keep up-to-date with competitions.
