Gunallo Poll Merino ram sale average jumps $565 as a pedigree-rich $7000 top ram heads for Mid North stud duties
Summary
A South Australian Poll Merino stud posted a strong on-property ram sale, headlined by a $7000 top price and a lift in both clearance and average. The Gunallo operation sold 111 of the 120 rams offered, averaging $2270 - a $565 increase on its 2025 result and a marked improvement in clearance. The sale-topping ram, weighing 102 kilograms, was secured by a Mid North stud breeder chasing its pedigree and structure for his Wirrilla Run Poll Merino flock. The ram carried an 18.4 micron fleece with a 2.9 standard deviation, a 15.7 per cent coefficient of variation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor, and scored 139 on the Sustainable Merino Index. Its production figures included a 20.1 yearling clean fleece weight, a 10.7 yearling staple length and a 1.04 yearling eye muscle depth. The second-highest ram made $5500 to the top-ram underbidder, a Lameroo piggery enterprise that bought three rams to average $4967. Interest came from several new buyers, including two bidding online from New South Wales. The largest volume purchase went to a Willaura, Victoria, trust that took 25 rams to $2500, averaging $1660, as it works to rebuild toward joining 14,000 ewes on the back of a mild winter and improved lamb survivability. Additional Victorian bulk buyers secured pens of six and seven rams at averages ranging from about $1266 to $2200. Conducted by Nutrien and PPHS, the sale reflected firm demand for well-structured, dual-purpose Poll Merino genetics across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top ram price | $7000 |
| Rams sold | 111 of 120 |
| Sale average | $2270 |
| Average increase on 2025 | $565 |
| Top ram weight | 102 kg |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 18.4 micron |
| Top ram Sustainable Merino Index | 139 |
| Second-highest price | $5500 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Gunallo ram sale?
The sale topped at $7000 for a lot 6 ram that weighed 102 kilograms. It was bought by a Mid North stud breeder for use in a Poll Merino flock.
How many rams sold and what was the average?
The stud sold 111 of the 120 rams offered. The sale averaged $2270, a $565 increase on the 2025 result and a better clearance.
What were the top ram's key measurements?
The top ram carried an 18.4 micron fleece with a 2.9 standard deviation, a 15.7 per cent coefficient of variation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor. It scored 139 on the Sustainable Merino Index and weighed 102 kilograms.
Why was the top ram chosen despite modest figures?
The buyer said he was chasing the ram's bloodlines and structure rather than its raw figures. He planned to use it over ewes with similar breeding or on promising ewe hoggets.
What was the second-highest priced ram?
The second-highest ram sold for $5500 to the top-ram underbidder, a Lameroo piggery enterprise. That buyer secured three rams overall to average $4967.
Who was the biggest volume buyer?
A Willaura, Victoria, trust bought 25 rams to a top of $2500, averaging $1660. The operation is rebuilding toward joining 14,000 ewes.
Were there new buyers at the sale?
Yes, the sale attracted several new buyers, including two bidding online from New South Wales. Additional bulk buyers came from Victoria.
