Brimanna Poll Merino ram sale at Yeelanna lifts average nearly $600 amid renewed sheep industry confidence
Summary
Renewed confidence across the sheep industry translated into stronger competition at the Brimanna Poll Merino annual on-property ram sale at Yeelanna, where the stud recorded one of its best results to date. The sale cleared 78 of the 79 rams offered, reaching a top price of $6000 on three separate occasions and settling at an average of $1909. That average lifted almost $600 on the previous year's $1328, and the stud sold 12 more rams than in 2025, reflecting improved seasonal conditions and firmer prospects for sheep, lamb and wool. The three top-priced rams each brought different strengths. Lot 1 weighed 108 kilograms, carried a 20.3 micron fleece with a 2.8 standard deviation and a 99.5 per cent comfort factor, and was earmarked for the stud's own artificial insemination program. Lot 2 weighed 115.5 kilograms and measured 18.1 micron with a 99.8 per cent comfort factor, while Lot 11, at 117 kilograms, had been named champion unhoused ram at the Wudinna Expo. Volume support underpinned the clearance, with one commercial operation securing 22 rams to a $1600 top and a $1050 average, another buying eight rams to a $1400 top, and a further buyer taking six rams at $5000 twice. The stud highlighted emerging genetics, including the first sons of a recently purchased Sharlu Park sire and progeny linked to an $80,000 Terrick West ram used in its breeding program. Auctioneers noted the draft's evenness and consistency, with buyer interest sustained throughout the catalogue and rams regularly making $3000 deep into the sale, confirming solid demand for well-bred Merino genetics this season.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 78 of 79 |
| Top price | $6000 (reached three times) |
| Sale average | $1909 |
| Average lift on 2025 | almost $600 (from $1328) |
| Additional rams sold vs 2025 | 12 |
| Lot 1 fleece | 20.3 micron, 99.5% comfort factor |
| Top volume buyer | 22 rams, $1050 average |
| Sire investment referenced | $80,000 Terrick West ram |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams did the Brimanna Poll Merino stud sell?
The stud sold 78 of the 79 rams offered at its annual on-property sale at Yeelanna. That represented 12 more rams than the previous year's sale.
What was the top price and how often was it reached?
The top price was $6000, and it was reached three times during the sale. Those top-priced rams were shared between two separate buying operations.
How much did the sale average and how did that compare with last year?
The 2026 sale averaged $1909, an increase of almost $600 on the previous year's $1328 average. The stronger result was linked to renewed confidence across the sheep, lamb and wool markets.
What were the standout measurements of the top-priced rams?
Lot 1 weighed 108 kilograms with a 20.3 micron fleece and a 99.5 per cent comfort factor. Lot 2 weighed 115.5 kilograms at 18.1 micron, and Lot 11 weighed 117 kilograms at 19.3 micron.
Who provided the main volume support at the sale?
One commercial operation bought 22 rams to a $1600 top and a $1050 average. Another secured eight rams to a $1400 top, and a further buyer took six rams at $5000 twice.
What genetics is the stud excited about?
The stud offered the first sons of a recently purchased Sharlu Park sire, which sold well. It also has progeny coming through from a Wiringa Park sire and an $80,000 Terrick West ram used in its artificial insemination program.
Why was confidence returning to the sheep industry?
Improved seasonal conditions and stronger positions for sheep, lamb and wool underpinned renewed buyer confidence. However, many producers had not yet been paid and harvest remained some way off, creating uncertainty about spending capacity.
