Mallee Hill Poll Merino stud records best-ever on-property ram sale at Ceduna with 82 rams sold to a $1540 average
Summary
The Mallee Hill Poll Merino stud at Ceduna, on South Australia's far west Eyre Peninsula, recorded its strongest on-property ram sale on record. Held on a Friday, the auction offered 90 Poll Merino rams and sold 82 for an average of $1540, a marked lift on the 2025 result when 64 of 68 rams sold to average $1131 per head. The sale team averaged 20.3 micron and 100.6 kilograms, reflecting a focus on square-bodied, big-framed rams carrying bright white wool suited to pastoral and coastal country. Three rams shared the sale-topping price of $3500, drawn from Lot 2, Lot 5 and Lot 7. The heaviest of these, Lot 5, weighed 115 kilograms and carried a 21.6 micron fleece with a 99 per cent comfort factor, alongside carcase scans of 6.4 millimetres fat and 43.6 millimetres eye muscle depth. Lot 2, sired by Kamora Park 115, measured 19.6 micron and weighed 103.5 kilograms. Volume support came from pastoral operations near Broken Hill, with Koonawarra Station taking 17 rams to average $1217 and Eureka Station securing nine at an average of $1522; both returned for further rams after the auction. Repeat buyers highlighted the rams' solid frames, wool cut and ability to survive in harsh northern country. Conducted by Quality Wool, the sale reflected strong confidence across the Merino industry and a season described as one of the best in the stud's history. Buyers travelled from the Upper South East and beyond to secure genetics.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Poll Merino rams offered | 90 |
| Rams sold | 82 |
| Sale average | $1540 |
| 2025 average | $1131 |
| Top price | $3500 |
| Average micron | 20.3 |
| Average weight | 100.6kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams did Mallee Hill sell at its 2026 Ceduna sale?
The stud offered 90 Poll Merino rams and sold 82 at auction. This produced an average of $1540 per head, which was described as a record result.
What was the top price at the 2026 Mallee Hill ram sale?
Three rams shared the sale-topping price of $3500, drawn from Lot 2, Lot 5 and Lot 7. A further ram sold for $3000.
How did the 2026 average compare with 2025?
In 2025 the stud sold 64 of 68 rams to average $1131 per head. The 2026 average of $1540 across 82 rams sold represented a significant lift.
What were the average micron and weight of the sale team?
The sale team averaged 20.3 micron for wool fineness and 100.6 kilograms in liveweight. This reflected a big-framed, well-nourished type of ram.
Who were the main volume buyers?
Pastoral operations near Broken Hill were prominent, with Koonawarra Station taking 17 rams to average $1217 and Eureka Station securing nine at $1522. Both purchased further rams after the auction.
What traits did buyers value in these rams?
Buyers highlighted solid frames, good wool cut and bright white wool suited to pastoral and coastal country. The rams' ability to survive in harsh northern conditions was a key attraction.
Who conducted the Mallee Hill sale?
The sale was conducted by Quality Wool. It was held as an on-property auction on a Friday at Ceduna.
