Pendarra and Stockton share the $8000 top price at the Gippsland Merino Ram Sale as the average jumps to $3047
Summary
The annual Gippsland Merino Ram Sale produced a strong multi-vendor result, with Gippsland studs Pendarra and Stockton sharing top honours as each reached an $8000 top price for rams heading to stud and high-country flocks. Of the 122 rams offered by six vendors, 105 sold to an average of $3047, a marked lift on 2025 when 92 of 120 rams sold to a top of $6000 and an average of just $1937. Pendarra Merino & Poll Merino, Benambra, led the offering, selling 70 of 76 rams to a top of $8000 and an average of $3271. Stockton Merino, Hillside, sold eight of 10 polled rams to a top of $8000 and an average of $2350, while Round Hill Merino, Omeo, sold 15 of 16 rams to a top of $5500 and an average of $2700. The Fringe Merino, Briagolong, achieved a total clearance of its eight horned and polled rams at an average of $2625, and Macehill Merino, Fernbank, sold six of eight rams at $1500 each. One vendor's eight polled rams did not sell under the hammer. The first equal top-priced ram, Lot 2 Pendarra M38095, was a 15-month-old measuring 17.7 micron with a 99.5 per cent comfort factor. The other $8000 ram, Lot 65 Stockton M38207, also 15 months old, measured 17.1 micron with a 100 per cent comfort factor and strong intramuscular fat. Buyers cited a rally in meat and wool prices as a key driver of the firmer market.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price (reached twice) | $8000 |
| Rams sold | 105 of 122 |
| Overall average | $3047 |
| Pendarra result | 70/76, top $8000, avg $3271 |
| Stockton result | 8/10 poll, top $8000, avg $2350 |
| Round Hill result | 15/16, top $5500, avg $2700 |
| 2025 comparison | 92/120, top $6000, avg $1937 |
| Top rams fibre diameter | 17.1-17.7 micron |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the 2026 Gippsland Merino Ram Sale?
The top price of $8000 was reached twice, shared by the Pendarra and Stockton studs. Each secured an $8000 ram heading to stud and high-country flocks.
What was the overall average and clearance?
Of the 122 rams offered by six vendors, 105 sold to an average of $3047. It was a strong multi-vendor result across the sale.
How did 2026 compare with 2025?
In 2025, 92 of 120 rams sold to a top of $6000 and an average of $1937. The 2026 average of $3047 marked a substantial increase.
How did the individual studs perform?
Pendarra sold 70 of 76 rams at a $3271 average, Stockton sold eight of 10 polled rams at $2350, and Round Hill sold 15 of 16 at $2700. The Fringe cleared all eight of its rams at a $2625 average, while Macehill sold six of eight at $1500 each.
What were the top rams' wool measurements?
The Pendarra top ram measured 17.7 micron with a 99.5 per cent comfort factor, and the Stockton top ram measured 17.1 micron with a 100 per cent comfort factor. Both rams were 15 months old.
Why were prices stronger this year?
Buyers and vendors pointed to a rally in meat and wool prices as a key driver. Recent wool sales had risen sharply on comparable lots from late the previous year.
Did every vendor sell out?
No. One vendor's offering of eight polled rams did not sell under the hammer, while The Fringe achieved a total clearance of its eight rams. Most vendors cleared the large majority of their offering.
