Late winter rain and optimism drive a $2555 average as 69 rams sell at the Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day at Balmoral
Summary
Good late winter rain and renewed optimism across the sheep and wool industries drove solid demand at the Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day and Ram Sale at Balmoral, one of the largest multi-vendor ram sales held in Victoria. With 12 western Victorian studs offering rams, 69 of 73 sold to an overall average of $2555. Around 15 millimetres of weekend rain fell across much of the local region, an ideal amount after a wet winter that helped draw a strong crowd. The top price of $6000 went to a 16-month-old ram that also claimed the champion shortwool sale ram title, carrying a fleece measuring 17 micron with a 2.2 standard deviation and 13.2 coefficient of variation. Two studs recorded the equal-highest average of $3875 across the 12 vendors. The biggest vendor sold 21 of 22 rams to a top of $5000 and a $2404 average, while other studs achieved averages between $1200 and $3750 with several tops reaching $5000. Buyers came from the southern and central Wimmera, with additional interstate demand from south-east South Australia and from as far as Goulburn, New South Wales. The event's diverse offering and proven breeder track record reinforced its reputation for supplying the right Merino rams to breeders locally and across the country, with organisers delighted by both the quality on show and the breadth of buyer support.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price | $6000 |
| Overall average | $2555 |
| Rams sold | 69 of 73 |
| Studs offering | 12 |
| Equal-highest stud average | $3875 |
| Biggest vendor result | 21 of 22 sold (avg $2404) |
| Weekend rainfall | about 15 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams sold at the Balmoral sale?
A total of 69 of 73 rams sold to an overall average of $2555. Twelve western Victorian studs offered rams at the event.
What was the top price?
The top price of $6000 was paid for a 16-month-old ram that also won the champion shortwool sale ram title. Its fleece measured 17 micron with a 2.2 standard deviation and 13.2 coefficient of variation.
Which stud was the biggest vendor?
The biggest vendor sold 21 of 22 rams to a top of $5000 and a $2404 average. Several other studs also reached tops of $5000.
Which studs recorded the highest average?
Two studs shared the equal-highest average of $3875 across the 12 vendors. One of them topped at $5000.
What role did the weather play?
Around 15 millimetres of rain fell over the weekend, considered an ideal amount after a wet winter. The favourable conditions helped draw a strong crowd.
Where did the buyers come from?
Volume buyers came from the southern and central Wimmera regions. Interstate demand also came from south-east South Australia and from Goulburn, New South Wales.
Why is this sale significant?
It is one of the biggest multi-vendor ram sales held in Victoria. The event has a proven track record of supplying suitable Merino rams to breeders locally and nationally.
