Dual-purpose Ballatherie Poll Merino rams draw strong western buyer demand at Hillston sale, topping at $4600
Summary
The Ballatherie Poll Merino ram sale at Hillston delivered a strong result, with dual-purpose rams prized for wool cut, quality and sire attributes drawing keen competition from western buyers. Held on-property on Friday, September 4, the sale cleared 138 of 150 Merino rams to a top price of $4600 and an average of $2021, an improvement on the 2025 offering. The $4600 top-priced ram, Ballatherie 753, weighed 102 kilograms and carried impressive fleece figures, including 17.1 micron, a 2.7 standard deviation, a 15.6 coefficient of variation and a 99.65 per cent comfort factor. Volume buyers underpinned the clearance, with one western operation securing 22 rams selected on wool type, cut and length as part of a matched team. That buyer targets a 19.5-micron flock average, ranging from 18.5 micron in one-year-olds to 21.5 micron in six-year-olds, shears twice yearly for about four kilograms each time, and reported 124 per cent lambing from ewes joined, crediting Ballatherie bloodlines for gains in both wool and fecundity. Other bulk purchases included 36 rams, 12 rams and a further 12 rams to district operations. The big, bold, dual-purpose rams, noted for meat in the hindquarter, reflect renewed industry recognition of the Merino's value. Ballatherie backed up the ram result by topping the Hillston sheep sale the following Monday, selling ewes to $495. The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien, with returning buyers placing big orders and interest described as strong from the outset.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 138 of 150 |
| Top price | $4600 |
| Average price | $2021 |
| Top ram weight | 102 kg |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 17.1 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.65% |
| Reported lambing | 124% |
| Ewes top (Monday sale) | $495 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams sold at the 2026 Ballatherie Poll Merino sale?
A total of 138 of the 150 Merino rams on offer were sold at the on-property sale at Hillston. The clearance reflected strong demand from returning buyers placing large orders.
What were the top price and average at the sale?
The top-priced ram made $4600, while the overall average was $2021. The result was an improvement on the 2025 sale.
What were the fleece figures of the top-priced ram?
The 102-kilogram top ram recorded 17.1 micron, a 2.7 standard deviation, a 15.6 coefficient of variation and a 99.65 per cent comfort factor. These figures highlighted its wool quality and low fibre diameter.
Why were the rams described as dual-purpose?
The rams were valued for both wool cut and quality and for meat in the hindquarter. Buyers noted this dual-purpose ability let them achieve wool and meat production aims together.
What flock results were credited to the bloodline?
One volume buyer reported 124 per cent lambing from ewes joined and gains in both wool and fecundity. That operation targets a 19.5-micron flock average and shears twice a year for about four kilograms each time.
Who conducted the sale and when was it held?
The sale was held on-property at Hillston on Friday, September 4, and was conducted by Elders and Nutrien. Bidding was described as strong from the outset.
How did the stud perform at the following Hillston sheep sale?
The stud topped the Hillston sheep sale the following Monday, selling ewes to $495. This backed up its strong ram sale result.
