Superfine Merino ram tops Australian Sheep & Wool Show sale at $15,000 to refresh central Victorian bloodlines
Summary
A central Victorian superfine stud secured the top-priced Merino ram at the 2026 Australian Sheep & Wool Show, paying $15,000 to add fresh genetics to its sire battery. The multi-vendor sale cleared 68 of the 92 rams offered for an average of $5449 and a clearance rate of 74 per cent, with several further lots selling after the auction. The sale-topping Hillcreston lot, a January 2024-drop ram sired by Hillcreston Ming, stood out for exceptional wool quality, carrying a 14.6-micron fleece, a standard deviation of 2.5, a coefficient of variation of 17.3 and a comfort factor of 99.6 per cent, along with curvature of 112.9 and a spinning factor of 13.8. The buying stud, which already runs a Hillcreston bloodline, said additional superfine sires were needed. The second top-priced ram, a Banavie entry, made $14,000 and offered an 18.3-micron fleece with a comfort factor of 99.2 per cent. A Terrick West Poll Merino ram sold for $11,000 to a Queensland stud, presenting a 19.2-micron fleece and a comfort factor of 99.5 per cent. Other results included one stud buying three rams to average $9667 and an agency securing three rams averaging $3334 on behalf of a client. Selling agents reported solid demand at the top end, noting buyers were selective and clearance eased slightly on the previous year. The outlook for spring ram sales was described as positive, supported by strong mutton and lamb markets and sound seasonal conditions across much of south-eastern Australia. Fine and superfine wool genetics remained the key drawcard throughout the offering.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top ram price | $15,000 |
| Sale average | $5449 |
| Clearance rate | 74 per cent |
| Rams sold | 68 of 92 |
| Second top price | $14,000 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 14.6 microns |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.6 per cent |
| Third-highest ram price | $11,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the 2026 Australian Sheep & Wool Show ram sale?
The top-priced Merino ram sold for $15,000. It was a January 2024-drop superfine ram bought to refresh a central Victorian stud's bloodlines.
What was the sale average and clearance rate?
A total of 68 of the 92 rams on offer sold, for an average of $5449 and a clearance rate of 74 per cent. Several additional lots were also sold following the auction.
What were the wool figures on the top-priced ram?
The sale-topper carried a 14.6-micron fleece with a standard deviation of 2.5 and a coefficient of variation of 17.3. Its comfort factor was 99.6 per cent, with curvature of 112.9 and a spinning factor of 13.8.
How much did the second top-priced ram sell for?
The second top-priced ram made $14,000. It had an 18.3-micron fleece and a comfort factor of 99.2 per cent.
What did the third-highest ram bring?
A Poll Merino ram sold for $11,000 to a Queensland stud. It presented a 19.2-micron fleece with a comfort factor of 99.5 per cent.
Why do studs buy new rams to refresh bloodlines?
Introducing proven sires adds fresh genetics and depth to a stud's sire battery, which is especially important for maintaining superfine wool quality. Buyers in this sale prioritised exceptional wool character and fine micron measurements.
What was the outlook for spring ram sales?
Selling agents expected spring sales to be broadly on par with the previous year. Strong mutton and lamb markets and sound seasonal conditions across much of south-eastern Australia supported that view.
