Strong wool and lamb markets drive a total clearance and $2721 average at the 2026 Pastora Poll Merino stud ram sale
Summary
A dream season, a buoyant wool market and strong lamb prices combined to deliver an outstanding result for the Pastora Poll Merino stud ram sale, held on-property at Lockhart. Every one of the 199 rams offered sold, reaching a top price of $6250 and an average of $2721, with buyers travelling from New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. The top-priced ram, Pastora 251585, went to a repeat buyer from the Heathfield Poll Merinos stud at Boorowa. That ram measured 17.6 micron with a 2.9 micron standard deviation, a 16.4 per cent coefficient of variation, a 99.2 per cent comfort factor and a 113 per cent greasy fleece weight, and was praised for its carcase, wool cut and genetics. The same buyer secured three rams for an average of $4017. A sale feature, Pastora 254349, was offered with proceeds directed to a memorial scholarship fund and sold for $3200 to Bluechip Livestock, Young, acting for Pine Farm at Quandialla; that ram carried a 16.1 micron fleece and ranked in the top 5 per cent for yearling fibre diameter. Volume buyers were active, with lines of 12, nine and six rams changing hands and pen averages ranging from $2467 to $2850. The stud reported a total clearance once again, attributing the strong averages to the excellent season, high wool values and firm meat prices, along with deep support from loyal repeat clients and new buyers seeking dual-purpose genetics with high wool value and good constitution. Elders conducted the auction.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 199 of 199 (total clearance) |
| Top price | $6250 |
| Sale average | $2721 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 17.6 micron |
| Three-ram buyer average | $4017 |
| Scholarship feature ram price | $3200 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams sold at the 2026 Pastora Poll Merino sale?
All 199 rams offered sold, achieving a total clearance. Buyers came from New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
What were the top price and average?
The sale reached a top price of $6250 and an overall average of $2721. It was a full clearance once again.
What were the measurements of the top-priced ram?
The top ram, Pastora 251585, was 17.6 micron with a 2.9 micron standard deviation, a 16.4 per cent coefficient of variation and a 99.2 per cent comfort factor. It also had a greasy fleece weight figure of 113 per cent.
What was special about the feature ram?
Pastora 254349 was offered with its proceeds going to a memorial scholarship fund. It sold for $3200 and ranked in the top 5 per cent of the breed for yearling fibre diameter.
Who conducted the sale and where was it held?
The auction was conducted by Elders. It was held on-property at Lockhart on Wednesday, September 2.
What genetic traits were buyers focused on?
Most buyers were chasing high wool value rams with good constitution suited to dual-purpose enterprises. The stud's breeding focus is low micron, heavy fleece weight and fertility.
Why were prices and averages strong this year?
The result was driven by a strong wool market, high lamb prices and an excellent season across the south. Deep client support also underpinned the total clearance.
