Conrayn Merino ram sale tops $9000 at Berridale for a $2005 average
Summary
Woolgrowers wanting to top up their supply of superfine sires offered strong support at the Conrayn Merino and Poll Merino stud's 2026 ram sale at Berridale on Wednesday, October 21. Of the 80 lots offered in the helmsman sale, 53 sold to average $2005 and to a top of $9000 for Conrayn B44, by Rockbank Blue out of a Conrayn stud ewe.
The clearance was similar to last year's sale, although the average was up on the $1597 recorded in 2025 and the top price more than doubled the $4250 of a year ago.
Competitive bidding drove up the price for the top ram, which eventually landed with Oakvale and Elmgrove, Williamsdale. The two-year-old tested at 16.1 micron with a standard deviation of 2.4, a coefficient of variation of 14.9 and a comfort factor of 99.9 per cent.
The buyers run a superfine operation of more than 5000 head, including 2000 ewes lambing now, with this year's clip averaging 16.2 micron and cutting about 4.5 kilograms or better. They said it was the figures behind the ram that made them determined to take him home, as the family breeds all its own rams and he suited the criteria for the type of sheep they want.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Lots offered, sold | 80 offered, 53 sold |
| Sale average | $2005 |
| Top price | $9000 |
| 2025 result | $1597 average, $4250 top |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 16.1 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.9 per cent |
| Largest draft, average | 8 rams at $1312 |
| Heaviest ram in the draft | 107 kilograms |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Conrayn Merino ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $9000 for Conrayn B44. Of the 80 lots offered in the helmsman sale, 53 sold for an average of $2005. The clearance was similar to last year's.
How did the result compare with 2025?
The average rose from $1597 to $2005, while the top price more than doubled from $4250 to $9000. The clearance was similar to the previous year.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Oakvale and Elmgrove, Williamsdale, secured him after competitive bidding. The buyers said the figures behind the ram made them determined to take him home, as the family breeds all its own rams and he suited the criteria for the type of sheep they want. They also noted he was a nice big sheep, adding that you have to look at the meat market as well.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
The two-year-old, by Rockbank Blue out of a Conrayn stud ewe, tested at 16.1 micron. His standard deviation was 2.4, coefficient of variation 14.9 and comfort factor 99.9 per cent.
What is that buyer running?
The superfine operation carries more than 5000 head, including 2000 ewes lambing now. This year's clip averaged 16.2 micron, cutting about 4.5 kilograms or better. The family has sourced genetics from the stud for decades and farms 1600 hectares including grazing wheat and canola crops.
Who were the volume buyers?
Karoola, Young, bought eight rams including one after the fall of the hammer, at a $1312 average to a $1750 high. Glenavon Pastoral Co, Bendoc, Victoria, went home with six rams averaging $2125 and paying no more than $4000 for a single lot. A Reefton buyer took five rams at a $2400 average, also to a $4000 top.
What were buyers looking for?
One repeat buyer said the main thing they wanted was gorgeous wool to suit their 18-micron flock, and to keep nice, well-nourished wool. It was that family's second time at the sale and first in a few years. They are primarily woolgrowers but noted the wether job had also been strong, and that the right genetics keep size in the sheep.
What is the stud breeding for?
The stud principal said the operation wants to produce superfine sires with frame, cut and nice, white, bubbly wool. The season had been pretty tough before the sale, with little rain from March until early October, but he was really happy with how the rams came through winter on a bit of oats crop. The rams are 12 to 13 months old, the heaviest in the draft at 107 kilograms and the whole draft averaging about 90 kilograms.
