NI’s agri-video streaming firm FarmFLiX has announced its On The Pull tractor rodeo event is returning for the first time since 2019.
Founded by husband and wife John and Pamela McClean in 2016, the team's videos receive hundreds of thousands of views each month. As well as paid monthly subscribers, they now have over 125K fans on Facebook, 98K on TikTok and 49K on Instagram.
The tractor racing contest is the only one of its kind across the UK and Ireland and this year’s event is taking place on Saturday, August 5, at Gally Hill Farm, Co Antrim. Videos of the first contest in 2019 have now been viewed more than one million times online.
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FarmFLiX has also announced it is donating all the proceeds from this year’s driver entry fees to the Air Ambulance NI Charity.
Founder John McClean explained to Belfast Live that FarmFLiX was a "long-held dream" of his which grew from a video-making hobby.
He said: "I had to decide if producing videos was my future career. At the age of 30, even though my daughter Eva Rose was due in a few months, I had to be brave enough to forego a steady salary. I figured I would never muster up the courage again after she was born. I’d been producing farming DVDs for a while, and they got a great reaction, but I was getting frustrated by the limitations of that format.
"I also knew that video streaming was coming down the tracks, so in 2016 the FarmFLiX video platform was launched. Thankfully my gut instinct was right and FarmFLiX has grown to the point where we now employ 12 people. We produce weekly, broadcast quality programmes created especially for the farming community and those who love farming. Every episode is sprinkled with valuable education, craic and characters, and the reality of farming."
He added: "[The videos] worked for us straight off the bat really. The farming and rural communities here were really hungry for true representation online. While there are occasional farming programmes on TV, they very rarely show all of the ‘warts and all’ side of farming, and the craic, so that’s what we went with.
"Sometimes I think people outside of farming don’t realise the scale of the sector here and how many people live and work on farms and agri-businesses. It’s massive and we’re proud to be in a position to be able to highlight it to a global audience."
The Co Antrim man explained that FarmFLiX has been blown away by the response received.
"But when you think about it, we’ve so many people in the industry who are just great craic and real characters, so why wouldn’t people want to watch them? Not to mention the fantastic livestock and machinery.
"People have responded really well... People love the realness of our content.
"It’s what they live and experience every day, the challenges, the wins, the frustrations, and also when something goes wrong. It’s their lives reflected back at them," he said.
With the On The Pull tractor rodeo event taking place on Saturday, August 5, John explained why he started the event in 2019.
The founder said: "I love tractors. And anyone who does will be the same. They are immense workhorses and while not the fastest, pulling loads, particularly on different terrains and roads can be a real challenge.
"All farmers will give each other banter about their machinery, so I thought why not put our skills and our engines to the test. I’d been thinking about it for years until my wife Pamela said, 'Well, I’m not listening to talk about this anymore. You may just go and do it.'
"So, I did, with her help, even though she works as a busy pharmacist with one of the Health Trusts here. It takes a lot of time to prepare the event for spectators, and the fields for the tractors and drivers, so that’s why we need people to buy their tickets by midnight on 30th April when sales end."
John also explained the reason why proceeds for the 2023 event are going to the Air Ambulance NI Charity.
"For so many farmers, and those in the rural community, proximity to help in the case of an emergency is always a worry. Ambulances aren’t built for hillsides or muddy fields, and so many of us in the farming community know of someone who has needed help.
"Last year alone AANI responded to over 70 farm and workplace accidents so anything we can do to secure that service, we’re going to do it," he said.
The event is suitable for both adults and kids.
The Co Antrim man continued: "If you or your children love engines or tractors then you need to come to #OnThePull23...
"So this year we’ve more than trebled the number of tractor spaces available...
"The action will be fast and furious, and there’ll be catering and toilets on site, as well as reductions for those who want to car share.
"Under 15s also get free admission when accompanied by an adult, so it’s all set for a great summer’s family day out, but don’t forget ticket sales have to end at midnight on 30th April so get them quick!"
This year’s event will see more than 100 drivers battle it out in a series of head-to-head races, all while pulling one of six fully loaded Redrock trailers newly constructed for the competition.
Organisers have created a new course for #OnThePull23, including a 140m hill climb and obstacle challenges to test both engine power and driver skill. Drivers will race each other against the clock for a place on the leader board before entering the knockout stages in their respective classes.
In a first for the event, every driver will be guaranteed at least two pulls against the clock, meaning more than 100 races with live commentary for spectators to enjoy. Two tractors will be ready to go at all times, ensuring the action remains fast and furious.
Some of Ireland’s most famous farming social media stars will be attending on the day.
Speaking about the event, Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising with Air Ambulance NI, added: “We are delighted to be nominated as the beneficiary of this unique event. The funds raised will contribute to saving lives, powering the aircraft to lift off for critically ill and injured patients right across Northern Ireland.
"On average, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service team are needed twice daily. That could be a patient of any age and background, given critical interventions at the scene, thanks to donations from events like this one.”
FarmFLix will decide on five tractor classes which will be separated by factors including horsepower, engine displacement, weight, and any modifications fitted. Trailer weights being pulled by each class will be decided on the day subject to weather and ground conditions.
Among those spectating on the day will be staff from Redrock Machinery. The Armagh-based agricultural machinery manufacturer is supplying six 26ft trailers, all of which have been specially customised for the event.
Speaking about the event, James Rooney from Redrock, said: “Tractors and trailers are the bedrock of every farm, so we are delighted to be a part of #OnThePull23. It offers a rare opportunity to bring the farming community together and showcase the immense driving skills of so many competitors.
"We hope they enjoy experiencing the agility and strength of Redrock trailers, which like all our equipment, are made for the most demanding of environments. We wish every competitor the best of luck and are looking forward to an action-packed day.”
Tickets are available at www.farmflix.tv/onthepull. Ticket sales end at Midnight on Sunday, 30th April 2023. FarmFLiX will be unable to issue any further tickets after this date and there will be no entry to the event without a ticket.
Spectators can remind themselves of what to expect HERE.
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