Historic Poll Boonoke and Wanganella Merino studs achieve total clearance with a $22,000 top ram as ownership changes hands
Summary
The historic Poll Boonoke and Wanganella Merino operation marked the end of an era with a total clearance at its on-property sale near Conargo on September 15, the final auction under owners of 26 years before a Moulamein-based pastoral business takes over the Deniliquin aggregation, including the studs, in October. A total of 200 rams sold to a top price of $22,000 for an overall average of $4373, drawing buyers from New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. The 150 Poll Boonoke Poll Merino rams reached a $20,000 top and averaged $4307, while the 50 horned Wanganella Merino rams peaked at $12,000 to average a stronger $4570. The top-priced ram, a 112.5kg poll sire measuring 17.8 micron with a 99.8 per cent comfort factor, headed to Haddon Rig at Warren, which runs about 3500 Poll Merino ewes. Other stud highlights included a $16,000 poll ram bound for Hilton Heath in South Australia carrying a +193.22 wool production index, a $12,000 stablemate, and a $10,000 poll sire heading to Kiawarra at Weethalle. In the Wanganella draft, a heavy 166kg ram topped at $12,000 for Woodpark at Jerilderie. Volume purchasers secured lines of up to 17 rams at averages ranging from $2706 to $4281. Firm wool, lamb and mutton prices underpinned confident bidding, and the result was described as an overwhelming way to close the chapter. Nutrien Ag Solutions and Elders conducted the sale, with online bidding provided through StockLive.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Rams sold |
200 (total clearance) |
|
Top price |
$22,000 |
|
Overall average |
$4373 |
|
Poll Boonoke rams |
150 sold, $20,000 top, $4307 avg |
| Wanganella rams |
50 sold, $12,000 top, $4570 avg |
|
Top ram |
112.5kg, 17.8 micron, 99.8% comfort factor |
|
Years under outgoing ownership |
26 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the headline results of the 2026 Poll Boonoke and Wanganella ram sale?
The sale achieved a total clearance of 200 rams, reaching a top price of $22,000 and an overall average of $4373. Buyers came from New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.
How did the Poll Boonoke and Wanganella drafts compare?
The 150 Poll Boonoke Poll Merino rams sold to a $20,000 top and averaged $4307. The 50 horned Wanganella Merino rams peaked lower at $12,000 but averaged a higher $4570.
What made the $22,000 top ram stand out?
The top-priced poll sire weighed 112.5kg and measured 17.8 micron with a 2.6 micron standard deviation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor. It scanned a 42.5mm eye muscle depth and 6mm of fat, and was described as a medium-fine ram with scale. It headed to a Warren stud running about 3500 Poll Merino ewes, for use in an artificial insemination program and paddock joinings.
Why was this sale considered the end of an era?
It was the final ram sale under owners of 26 years, with a Moulamein-based pastoral business set to take over the Deniliquin aggregation, including the studs, in October. The change coincided with strong wool, protein and mutton prices.
What did the second and third top-priced rams achieve?
A $16,000 poll ram bound for South Australia carried a +193.22 wool production index along with a +37.90 yearling clean fleece weight. A $10,000 poll sire heading to Weethalle recorded a +37.38 yearling clean fleece weight and a +33.86 adult clean fleece weight.
How did the top Wanganella ram perform?
The top Wanganella ram weighed a heavy 166kg and measured 18.5 micron with a 99.4 per cent comfort factor, selling for $12,000. The buyer, from Jerilderie, has a history of nearly 40 years with the stud.
Who handled the volume buying?
Several buyers secured multiple rams, with lines of up to 17 head. Volume averages ranged from about $2706 to $4281.
What underpinned buyer confidence?
Strong wool and lamb prices supported active bidding throughout the sale. Organisers noted plenty of buying confidence and described the outcome as an overwhelming result.
