Melrose Merino ram sale tops $4250 at Nurrabiel for a $1798 average
Summary
Focusing on the basics paid off for the Melrose Merino stud at Nurrabiel at its annual on-property ram sale. The Wimmera stud sold 41 of the 52 polled and horned rams it offered on Wednesday, averaging $1798 and peaking at $4250.
Prices were steady against last year, when the stud sold 44 of 48 rams for an overall average of $1837.
The top-priced ram, lot 27, went to repeat client Glen Heather Pty Ltd, Nurrabiel. The May-drop ram recorded fleece measurements of 18.5 micron, a 2.5 standard deviation, a 13.5 coefficient of variation and a 99.6 per cent comfort factor. The buyer, who took time out of a busy week of shearing to attend, said he sought the ram for its overall package and strong wool, describing him as a nice, straight ram and noting the fleeces were a little heavier this year due to the rain.
The stud principal said he was pleased with the result given the wool market had maintained good prices through the year, and expected clients would be happy too. He summed up the breeding objective as white, bright wool on a big frame with plenty of facility and growth, adding that the stud was not trying to do anything fancy.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered, sold | 52 offered, 41 sold |
|
Sale average |
$1798 |
|
Top price |
$4250 |
|
2025 result |
44 of 48 at $1837 |
|
Second purchase by top buyer |
Lot 18 at $2000 |
|
Top ram fibre diameter |
18.5 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.6 per cent |
|
Volume buyer draft |
6 rams |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Melrose Merino ram sale top at?
The sale peaked at $4250 for lot 27. The stud sold 41 of the 52 polled and horned rams offered for an average of $1798.
How did the result compare with last year?
Prices were steady. In 2025 the stud sold 44 of 48 rams for an overall average of $1837, against $1798 this year on a larger offering.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Repeat client Glen Heather Pty Ltd, Nurrabiel, secured him. The buyer took time out of a busy week of shearing to attend the sale. He also bought lot 18 for $2000 and will put both rams out with the best ewes in a flock of about 5000.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
The May-drop ram recorded 18.5 micron with a 2.5 standard deviation and a 13.5 coefficient of variation. His comfort factor was 99.6 per cent.
Why did that ram appeal?
The buyer said he sought the ram for its overall package and strong wool, and described him as a nice, straight ram he was happy with. He noted the fleeces were a bit heavier this year because of the rain, and that he likes a bit of a heavy micron.
What is the stud breeding for?
The stud principal described the objective as white, bright wool on a big frame with plenty of facility and growth. He said the stud was not trying to do anything fancy, and was pleased with a result delivered while the wool market held good prices through the year.
Who were the volume buyers?
Mt Bepcha, Glenisla, was among the top volume buyers with six rams. It was the operation's first time buying rams from the stud, having previously purchased ewes from it at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo.
What will those rams be used for?
The commercial breeder joins about 2500 ewes and also runs a cropping farm at Laharum. Having been on a different bloodline for about seven years, he will put the new rams over his maidens to see what lambs they produce. He said there were great quality sheep in the line-up.
