Mernowie Poll Merino ram sale tops $9500 at Marrabel with full clearance
Summary
An extra 27 rams catalogued for the Mernowie sale at Marrabel did not stop buyers from lifting the average by more than $1200 on the 2025 result. All 143 rams offered sold to a top of $9500 for an average of $2885, compared with $1628 the previous year. A further 13 rams sold in the mini auction, all at $1200.
The sale attracted 38 registered buyers, including 12 new ones, of which six bought for the first time. With an increased focus on breeding strong dual-purpose Poll Merino rams, the stud's genetics are proving themselves in country ranging from high rainfall to pastoral land, from Victoria through to Broken Hill and across the Eyre Peninsula. All rams were paddock-reared at Farrell Flat and only moved back to the home farm days before the sale, holding condition well.
Competition was strong on lots 1 and 2, with long-time client and regular top-end buyer Andriske Farms, Galga, securing both. Lot 1 made the sale high of $9500. The single-born ram, sired by Mernowie-230387, carried a 19.7-micron fleece with a 99.3 per cent comfort factor and measured 9.17 for post-weaning weight, 12.3 for yearling weight, 0.09 millimetres for yearling eye muscle depth and -0.15 millimetres for yearling fat depth. Lot 2 followed at $9000.
Among the larger orders, Geelong Lime, Victoria, took 16 rams averaging $3428. Nutrien and Elders conducted the sale.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Rams offered and sold |
143 (full clearance) |
| Top price | $9500 |
|
Average price |
$2885 |
|
2025 average |
$1628 |
|
Extra rams added to the catalogue |
27 |
|
Mini-auction rams sold, price each |
13 at $1200 |
|
Registered buyers |
38 |
|
New buyers registered |
12 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Mernowie Poll Merino ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $9500 for lot 1. Lot 2 followed at $9000, with both secured by the same buyer. The overall average was $2885.
How many rams sold?
All 143 rams offered sold, giving a full clearance. A further 13 rams sold in the mini auction, all at $1200 each.
How did the average compare with 2025?
The $2885 average was more than $1200 above the 2025 result of $1628. The lift came despite an extra 27 rams being catalogued.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
The single-born ram was sired by Mernowie-230387 and carried a 19.7-micron fleece with a 99.3 per cent comfort factor. It measured 9.17 for post-weaning weight and 12.3 for yearling weight. Its yearling eye muscle depth was 0.09 millimetres and yearling fat depth -0.15 millimetres.
Who bought the top-priced rams?
Long-time client and regular top-end buyer Andriske Farms, Galga, secured both lot 1 at $9500 and lot 2 at $9000. That operation runs about 1000 ewes across 4000 hectares alongside broadacre cropping.
How many buyers took part?
The sale attracted 38 registered buyers, including 12 new ones. Six of those bought for the first time.
Who were the larger volume buyers?
Geelong Lime, Victoria, took 16 rams averaging $3428. Burge Estates, Tanunda, bought 14 rams averaging $2453, and Yednalue Props, Glenroy, took 12 rams averaging $1758.
How were the rams prepared?
All rams were paddock-reared at Farrell Flat. They were moved back to the home farm only days before the sale and held exceptional condition.
