Mernowie clears all rams into varied climates across SA and eastern states

An extra 27 rams catalogued for Mernowie's sale failed to stop buyers from sending the average up more than $1200 on 2025's result.

With an increased focus on breeding strong dual-purpose Poll Merino rams, the Rowett family, Marrabel, are being rewarded.

Their rams are proving themselves in country with high rainfall to pastoral land - from Victoria through to Broken Hill and across the Eyre Peninsula.

All rams were paddock-reared at Farrell Flat and only moved back to the home farm just days prior to the sale - they held exceptional condition, gaining comments on their looks from the auctioneers.

Competition was very strong on lots 1 and 2, with the eventual winner for both long-time client and regular top-end buyer Andriske Farms, Galga.

Lot 1 made the sale high of $9500.

The single born ram, sired by Mernowie-230387, had a 19.7-micron fleece with 99.3 per cent comfort factor.

It also measured 9.17 post-weaning weight, 12.3 yearling weight, 0.09 milimetre yearling eye muscle depth and -0.15mm yearling fat depth.

"His growth, the overall balance, the wool and his length of body, he was a very well structured ram," David Andriske said.

Mernowie stud principal David Rowett agreed the top price ram was "very well balanced", with traits they were trying to achieve.

"We want to maintain that balance between structure and wool quality and quantity, on a balanced meaty carcase as well," he said.

"He was very white wool and I reckon he could go nearly anywhere."

Mr Andriske bought lot 2 at $9000. At home, they run about 1000 ewes across 4000 hectares, with broadacre cropping as well.

"We have less rainfall, it's a bit harsher, but they still do well in that climate," he said.

"We select that greasier wool to try and keep the dirt out."

Overall, Mernowie offered and sold 143 rams to the $9500 top, averaging $2885 - compared with $1628 in 2025.

The sale attracted 38 registered buyers, including 12 new ones, of which six bought for the first time.

A further 13 rams were sold in the mini auction, all at $1200.

Mr Rowett said they couldn't have wished for a better outcome after adding the extra rams to the sale.

"We knew there were a few people who would need a few extra rams, after thepast couple of years when they had lower ewe numbers," he said.

"I just saw an opportunity and hopefully we can carry those numbers for the next few years."

Among the larger orders were Geelong Lime, Vic, with 16 rams averaging $3428; Burge Estates, Tanunda, bought 14 rams averaging $2453; and Yednalue Props, Glenroy, bought 12 rams averaging $1758.

Nutrien and Elders conducted the sale, with auctioneers Gordon Wood and Laryn Gogel respectively.

Mr Gogel said the result was "very good" clearing all 143 rams at a very good average.

"The competition has been grand all the way through, from Geelong down in the bottom end of Victoria where it's damp and it's wet, right up into the pastoral country where's normally dry and dusty, which it's not this year," he said.

"It's a testament to what the rams do and where they stand and the quality reflects the breeding of a good animal."