North Ashrose clears all 146 Merino and Poll Merino rams to a $10,000 top and $2275 average
Summary
North Ashrose recorded a strong result at its annual ram sale, clearing all 146 Merino and Poll Merino rams to average $2275 and reach a top of $10,000. The average rose $347 on 2025, when a full clearance of 160 rams topped at $5500 and averaged $1928. The $10,000 top ram, a son of Premier 1742, drew the leading bid from long-term client Mutooroo Pastoral Co and will be used in a 2000-ewe stud program supplying rams to the operation's Lilydale, Mutooroo and Mulyungarie properties. It carried a 19.1 micron fleece with 2.9 standard deviation, 15.4 per cent coefficient of variation, a 99.5 per cent comfort factor and a 117 per cent greasy fleece weight. Mid-August measurements recorded a 105-kilogram body weight, 43.6-millimetre eye muscle depth and 7.6mm fat, with the ram praised for rich, high-volume white wool, spring of rib and carcase traits. The same buyer also secured a second ram for $5500. Volume buyers provided strong support, with an Orroroo operation purchasing 24 rams at an average of $1800, a Hindmarsh Island buyer taking 21 rams at $2538, a Winton, Queensland operation securing 29 rams at $1676, and a Cummins buyer taking 11 rams at $2545. All volume buyers were repeat clients from regions including Queensland and South Australia's pastoral country. Looking ahead, the stud will maintain its focus on quality Merino genetics, prioritising carcase shape and high-quality fibre rather than pushing frame size further. Agents reported strong pastoral support after a good season.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Rams cleared |
146 (full clearance) |
| Average | $2275 |
| Top price |
$10,000 |
|
Average rise on 2025 |
$347 |
| 2025 average |
$1928 |
|
Top ram fibre |
19.1 micron |
|
Top ram body weight |
105 kilograms |
|
Top ram eye muscle depth |
43.6 millimetres |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the North Ashrose ram sale?
The sale topped at $10,000 for a son of Premier 1742, bought by a long-term pastoral client. The same buyer also secured a second ram for $5500.
What were the clearance and average?
All 146 Merino and Poll Merino rams sold, averaging $2275. That was a $347 rise on the 2025 average of $1928.
What did the $10,000 ram measure?
It carried a 19.1 micron fleece with 2.9 standard deviation, 15.4 per cent coefficient of variation, a 99.5 per cent comfort factor and a 117 per cent greasy fleece weight. Mid-August measurements recorded a 105-kilogram body weight, 43.6-millimetre eye muscle depth and 7.6mm fat.
How did the result compare with 2025?
The 2026 average of $2275 was up $347 on 2025, when 160 rams cleared at an average of $1928 and a top of $5500. The 2026 top of $10,000 nearly doubled the previous year's top.
Who were the main volume buyers?
An Orroroo operation bought 24 rams at $1800, a Winton, Queensland buyer took 29 rams at $1676, a Hindmarsh Island buyer secured 21 rams at $2538, and a Cummins operation purchased 11 rams at $2545. All were repeat clients.
What is the stud's breeding direction?
It will maintain its focus on quality Merino genetics, prioritising carcase shape and high-quality fibre. The stud does not intend to push frame size further at present.
Where did buyers come from?
Repeat volume buyers came from a range of regions, including Queensland and South Australia's pastoral country. Agents reported particularly strong pastoral support after a good season.
