Outback MPM records 100 per cent clearance as Poll Merino ram sale tops $12,000 and averages $2372
Summary
Outback MPM's annual ram sale at The Marra delivered a complete 100 per cent clearance, with all 203 Poll Merino rams offered finding buyers on Monday, September 14. The sell-out result produced a solid average of $2372 and a top price of $12,000, secured remotely by a first-time South Australian commercial operation seeking growth, fat and muscle on a sound wool. The 18.3 micron sale topper carried standout Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), including 8.83 for yearling weight, 2.98 for yearling eye muscle depth and a yearling staple length figure ranking in the top 5 per cent of the breed. Ahead of the ram run, 660 Merino future breeder ewe lambs sold in three pens of 220 to average $407.33 and gross $268,840, narrowly short of the stud's $421 AuctionsPlus record set in June. A pair of rams shared the second-top price of $6500, while a charity ram made $3000 with proceeds donated to a grieving family. Strong volume buying featured throughout, with one Coonamble district family taking 26 rams and long-term clients returning alongside new faces from a wide geographic spread. Many buyers cited fat, muscle, early growth, staple length and easy-care attributes as key drawcards, and nearly all clients are now involved in Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification. The sale reflected sustained demand for productive, dual-purpose Merino genetics.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold / offered | 203 of 203 (100% clearance) |
| Average ram price | $2372 |
| Top ram price | $12,000 |
| Second-top ram price | $6500 |
| Future breeder ewe lambs sold | 660 (three pens of 220) |
| Ewe lamb average | $407.33 |
| Ewe lamb gross | $268,840 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 18.3 micron |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at Outback MPM's 2026 ram sale?
The sale topped at $12,000, paid remotely by a first-time South Australian commercial buyer. The ram was an 18.3 micron Poll Merino selected for growth, fat and muscle on a sound wool.
How many rams sold and what was the clearance rate?
All 203 rams offered were sold, delivering a 100 per cent clearance. The rams averaged $2372 across the sale.
What did the future breeder ewe lambs make?
A total of 660 Merino ewe lambs sold in three pens of 220. They made $410, $410 and $402 a head to average $407.33 and gross $268,840.
How did the ewe lamb result compare to the stud's record?
The average of $407.33 fell just short of the $421 record the stud set on AuctionsPlus in June of the same year. It still represented a strong result for future breeder ewe lambs.
What breeding values did the top ram record?
The sale topper recorded ASBVs including 5.77 for post-weaning weight, 8.83 for yearling weight and 2.98 for yearling eye muscle depth. Its yearling staple length of 25.27 ranked in the top 5 per cent of the breed.
What was the second-top price?
A pair of rams shared the second-top price of $6500. A separate charity ram sold for $3000, with proceeds donated to a grieving family.
What traits were buyers looking for?
Buyers consistently sought fat, muscle, early growth and staple length on a sound wool. Easy-care attributes, fly resistance and foraging ability were also valued.
Are the stud's clients involved in wool certification?
Yes, nearly all of the stud's clients are now involved in Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification. The stud has been influential in encouraging that move.
