Bindawarra Merino stud doubles its ram sale average as a 50 per cent wool price surge lifts a Gippsland auction to a $4800 top
Summary
A Gippsland Merino operation delivered a standout result at its 2026 online-only ram sale, doubling its average year-on-year on the back of a surging wool market. The Giffard West stud cleared 33 of 36 rams on offer, reaching a top price of $4800 and an average of $2309 - a rise of $1189 on the previous year. The sale drew 15 registered buyers, with a reported 50 per cent lift in wool prices credited for lifting both values and the clearance rate. The top-priced ram, a well-bred sire carrying a 16.9 micron fleece, a 2.5 standard deviation, a 14.9 coefficient of variation and a 99.9 per cent comfort factor, sold to a Flinders Island, Tasmania, buyer who travelled across Bass Strait to attend. That family runs 1650 hectares on the island plus a backgrounding block, carrying 1600 Angus breeders and 2000 Merino ewes, and has purchased from the stud for more than 30 years. A Beaufort father-and-son operation was the volume buyer, securing five rams to a top of $2600 and an average of $1880, while a Darriman enterprise took six rams averaging $2934. Strong mutton and wool prices, a favourable season and the return of several key buyers after a quieter year were all cited as reasons for the improved trade. The result underscores renewed confidence in the Merino ram market across Gippsland, with producers reinvesting in genetics to build flock quality and wool value heading into the season ahead.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 33 of 36 |
| Top price | $4800 |
| Sale average | $2309 |
| Average increase year-on-year | $1189 |
| Registered buyers | 15 |
| Wool price rise | 50% |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 16.9 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.9% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams did the stud sell and at what average?
The Giffard West stud sold 33 of the 36 Merino rams on offer. The sale averaged $2309, which was $1189 higher than the previous year, effectively doubling the average.
What was the top price at the sale?
The top-priced ram sold for $4800 to a Flinders Island, Tasmania, buyer. It was one of two rams purchased by that family at the sale.
Why did prices improve compared with last year?
A roughly 50 per cent year-on-year rise in wool prices was credited with lifting both values and the clearance rate. Strong mutton prices, a good season and the return of key buyers also supported the trade.
What were the wool figures of the top ram?
The top ram carried a 16.9 micron fleece with a 2.5 standard deviation and a 14.9 coefficient of variation. It also recorded a 99.9 per cent comfort factor.
How many buyers registered for the sale?
The online-only sale attracted 15 registered buyers. Several of them attended in person at the property during the sale.
Who were the volume buyers?
A Beaufort father-and-son operation bought five rams to a top of $2600 and an average of $1880. A Darriman enterprise purchased six rams averaging $2934, and a Nutrien wool area manager bought 17 rams for seven clients.
How far did the top rams have to travel?
The two rams destined for Flinders Island were set to board a ship at Port Welshpool. The crossing takes about 16 hours across Bass Strait.
