Sandalwood Poll Merino ram sale averages jump $523 as buyers chase meaty, white-wool dual-purpose rams in the Mallee
Summary
The annual Sandalwood Poll Merino ram sale in the Mallee delivered a stronger result in 2026, with renewed optimism and a larger turnout lifting demand for meaty, white-wool rams. Conducted by Nutrien and Elders, the sale saw 177 of the 180 rams on offer sell to a top of $6600 and an average of $2422 - a $523 lift on the 2025 result. A field of 47 registered buyers competed, with rams heading into three states across pastoral and Central West NSW, north-east, north-west and south-west Victoria, south-east SA, Kangaroo Island and the Mallee. The $6600 top-priced ram, lot 13, was sired by One Oak Poll Red 31, weighed 101 kilograms and carried a five-month wool growth of 8.5kg at 19.3 micron with a 99.7 comfort factor. A stud reserve ram had already changed hands privately for $15,000 before the sale. Strong volume support came from repeat clients, including a Kaniva buyer who took 12 rams at a $1383 average and a Kingston SE buyer who secured 10 at $1000. The genetics combined big frames, high wool cut around 19 micron and heavy carcase figures, with lot 3 - sired by Triggervale - weighing 106 kilograms and recording an eye muscle area of 32.19 square centimetres. The consistent, adaptable rams suited the district's 12-inch rainfall country, a point reinforced by the local Wunkar Hogget Competition. Buyers valued the fine, white wools, considered among the best the stud has presented and suited to conditions right across Australia. Several rams sold above $6000, last year's top price, underlining renewed confidence in dual-purpose Merino genetics.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price | $6600 |
| Average | $2422 |
| Average increase on 2025 | $523 |
| Rams sold | 177 of 180 |
| Registered buyers | 47 |
| Top-priced ram weight | 101 kg |
| Top-priced ram wool | 19.3 micron |
| Pre-sale stud reserve | $15,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the top price and average at the 2026 Sandalwood Poll Merino ram sale?
The sale reached a top of $6600 and averaged $2422 across the rams sold. That average was a $523 increase on the 2025 result.
How many rams sold at the sale?
Of the 180 rams offered, 177 sold. A field of 47 registered buyers competed for the offering.
What were the specifications of the top-priced ram?
The $6600 top-priced ram, lot 13, was sired by One Oak Poll Red 31 and weighed 101 kilograms. It recorded a five-month wool growth of 8.5kg measuring 19.3 micron with a 99.7 comfort factor.
Where did the rams sell to?
Rams sold into three states, covering pastoral and Central West NSW, north-east, north-west and south-west Victoria, south-east SA, Kangaroo Island and the Mallee. The genetics were considered suited to conditions across Australia.
What were the details of the other profiled ram, lot 3?
Lot 3 was sired by Triggervale and weighed 106 kilograms. It measured 19.2 micron and recorded an eye muscle area of 32.19 square centimetres.
Was there a sale before the auction started?
Yes, a stud reserve ram changed hands privately for $15,000 before the sale. It was noted for strong muscle and meat figures.
Who conducted the sale and how did prices compare with last year?
The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders. Several rams sold above $6000, which had been the top price the previous year.
