Looking forward to spring time'¨with Connon General Merchants

The Ballymena-based business is on the Liminary Road, just off the Larne Road roundabout.

Opening hours will be 8am to 8pm on the Friday and 8am to 1pm on the Saturday.

The event will offer farmers, builders and anyone who wishes to attend the opportunity to avail of a wide range of offers across Connon’s extensive portfolio.

The company, which commenced trading in September 1991, is owned by Francis Connon. His many years of farming experience form the basis of his knowledge and understanding of the management challenges that face Northern Ireland farmers on a day-to-day basis.

This experience has helped him develop the business over the past two decades.

Connon’s boast a strong customer base not only from the local community but from all over Northern Ireland and even further afield.

With this year’s open days just around the corner Francis Connon has once again issued an open invitiation to customers old and new to come along and see what is available in store.

Connon’s Matthew Cunning explained the purpose of the popular annual open days.

“These open days give customers the chance to come and buy from our range of products at promotional prices for the busy season ahead,” he said.

“There is a wide variety of products available at Connons all year round and we are sure to stock something to suit everyone’s needs.”

A key focus of Connon General Merchants is the commitment of the company to provide its customers with the highest possible quality service and products. This is particularly evident in their own range of animal feeds (beef, sheep and dairy), meeting the requirements of all classes of ruminant livestock and also supplying the nutritional advice customers require.

Farmers realise they must care for their stock in the best way possible so as to maximise the returns they can generate from their business.

This is highlighted by the high demand at this time of the year for their range of top quality sheep and cattle feeds. Also on offer is the entire range of animal feeds manufactured by Chestnut’s, Thompson’s, McLarnon’s and United Feeds.

Both Calf and Lamb Volac Milk replacers are available in store throughout the year.

An extensive range of mineral and feed buckets and blocks are always in stock.

The extensive range of Downland veterinary products for which Connon’s are the Mid and South Antrim franchise holders is a relatively recent addition to the business. Downland’s new range of Opti-Lix buckets - high energy and high magnesium - will be in stock.

With turnout of stock not being far away farmers are turning their attention to their fields. With the range of Gouldings fertiliser kept in stock, Connon’s have something to suit every situation, and this can be delivered across the Province.

With grass re-seeding in mind Connon General Merchants also stock the range of Barenbrug grass and lawn seed mixtures with the N.I rep being in attendance on open day to answer any questions and advise on mixtures available. The Barenbrug range also includes wild flower and wild bird cover mixtures proving to be more popular every year.

With grass comes the need for maintenance, a wide range of high quality good value agro chemical sprays are also stocked for both grass and crop situations throughout the year, with help and advice available.

Connon General Merchants will also be featuring special offers on everything you need for the fields this spring including their entire range of livestock drinkers, ball valves, water pipes and fittings, gate posts, field and countryside management gates. Fencing supplies, include wire of all gauges and sizes, a range of posts round and split with both imported and homegrown available, along with all the tools required are available. In addition to this there will be electric fencing products in stock.

Connon’s have special offers on a range of drainage piping with a full range of sizes and fittings in stock.

Connon’s stocks a comprehensive range of animal health products, catering for the needs of all animals throughout the changing seasons.

Representatives from the main animal health companies will be in attendance for the open days offering many great deals and they will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Connon General Merchants keep in store a wide range of the Kilco products ranging from disinfectants to lamb and calf colostrums and mineral drenches and all have proved to be extremely popular with the customers.

In addition to this, many of the leading suppliers have put forward prizes for a raffle which will be held before closing on Saturday.

Another special offer during the open days is on Maxol Oil, with a free Balmoral Show ticket available with each 200 litre barrel purchased.

Connon’s extensive range of products goes far beyond farming needs – builders, gardeners, DIY and equestrian enthusiasts will also find plenty of products available.

It’s the time of year when people’s thoughts turn to jobs around the house or in the garden and Connon General Merchants have a good selection of power tools, workshop equipment, clothing and safety equipment available.

For the gardeners Connon General Merchants has plenty to cater for your needs also, with advice on lawn and plant management. There is also a range of bark, peat, composts and other supplies.

Equestrian supplies are also a feature in store, with a wide range of horse and pony feeds available from Pegus, Spillers, Red Mills, Bluegrass and Stonebridge. Connons also stock a range of equestrian clothing and footwear.

Connons stocks a range of feed and health products for pets. The feed store caters for everything from cats and dogs to budgies and canaries.

There is something for everyone at this year’s Connon General Merchants open days. From toys for the kids, workwear to farm supplies Connons have it covered.