Lachlan Merino stud sale surges to a $34,000 top and $5655 average as growth and fleece-weight genetics drive demand
Summary
The Lachlan Merino stud sale at Warroo delivered strong results, averaging $5655 as 198 of the 200 rams offered sold to a top of $34,000, with a further 25 flock rams also clearing. Buyers keenly chased growth, fleece weight and micron, the profit-driving traits underpinning the stud's wool production index. The top-priced ram, from the stud's embryo-transfer program, was a 134-kilogram Poll Merino measuring 18.2 micron with a 99.7 per cent comfort factor and a 117 per cent greasy fleece weight. Its Australian Sheep Breeding Values included a +37.9 yearling clean fleece weight and a +33.9 adult clean fleece weight, both in the top 5 per cent of the breed, alongside a 198 wool production index; it sold to repeat buyers from Collarenabri, with the stud retaining a 50 per cent semen share. A second ram from the artificial insemination program made $20,000, carrying a wool production index of +214 in the top 1 per cent of the breed, and headed to Victoria. A third ram sold for $16,000 to first-time buyers. Bulk buyers were active, with lines of up to 18 rams and averages as high as $7071. A stud fleece entry also won most valuable fleece for Merino performance at a national competition, valued at $219.44. With 40 extra rams added this year, the average still lifted, and stud interest spanned New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Nutrien conducted the sale with online bidding through AuctionsPlus.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Rams sold |
198 of 200 offered |
|
Top price |
$34,000 |
|
Sale average |
$5655 |
| Additional flock rams sold | 25 |
| Top ram |
134kg, 18.2 micron, 198 wool production index |
| Second top ram |
$20,000, wool production index +214 (top 1%) |
| Third top ram |
$16,000 |
|
Winning fleece value |
$219.44 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the headline results of the 2026 Lachlan Merino sale?
The sale averaged $5655, with 198 of the 200 rams offered selling to a top of $34,000. A further 25 flock rams were also cleared.
What stood out about the $34,000 top ram?
The 134-kilogram Poll Merino came from the stud's embryo-transfer program and measured 18.2 micron with a 99.7 per cent comfort factor and a 117 per cent greasy fleece weight. It carried a +37.9 yearling clean fleece weight and a +33.9 adult clean fleece weight, both in the top 5 per cent of the breed, plus a 198 wool production index. The stud retained a 50 per cent semen share.
Which traits were driving buyer demand?
Growth, fleece weight and micron were the main profit-driving traits sought by buyers. These are the components of the wool production index, backed by good carcase attributes.
What did the second-top ram achieve?
A ram from the artificial insemination program sold for $20,000 and headed to Victoria. It carried a wool production index of +214, placing it in the top 1 per cent of the breed, along with a +47.1 yearling clean fleece weight.
How did bulk buyers participate?
Several buyers sought numbers, with one line reaching 18 rams to a top of $10,000 and an average of $5639. Other volume lines averaged as high as $7071.
Did the stud have show success?
A stud fleece entry won most valuable fleece for Merino performance at a national fleece competition. The eight-month, 11.4kg entry was valued at $219.44.
Did adding more rams affect the average?
Even with 40 extra rams added to the catalogue this year, the sale average still lifted. Several lots also offered value, selling from around $2000.
Where did buyer interest come from?
There was stud interest from three states - New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. A mix of new and long-standing clients supported the sale.
