Superior Wool Merinos lifts its ram sale average by more than $1300 with a $10,000 topper at its 19th annual sale
Summary
Superior Wool Merinos lifted its 19th annual ram sale average by more than $1300 on the previous year, drawing buyers from South Australia's pastoral country through to high-rainfall Tasmania. From 32 registered bidders, five secured double-digit tallies, helping the Tintinara stud achieve a total clearance of its main auction of 120 Poll Merinos for a $3377 average - joining a small group of studs that have averaged above $3000. That marked a sharp rise from 2025, when 117 of 119 rams averaged $2017. A further 35 rams cleared in the mini auction for a $1749 average, and another 25 private-selection rams sold by day's end. The $10,000 sale topper, Lot two, was an 18.4-micron ram praised for its frame and cover, carrying a clean fleece weight in the top 10 per cent of the breed at an ASBV of 32.63, together with meat and fat, yearling staple length, structural correctness and strong claw set. Its appeal was underpinned by a predictable pedigree tracing to an influential stud sire. The underbidder went on to secure 12 top-end rams for a $4833 average, including a $7750 lot. The dominant volume buyer assembled 36 rams across both auctions for a $1992 average, while two other operations each took 11 rams, averaging $3305 and $2432. The stud, long renowned for its white, well-nourished wool, has added carcase qualities that broadened its appeal, and the sale reflected buoyant wool, sheep and lamb prices. Rams again headed to diverse environments, from cold, bleak Tasmania to the dry pastoral country. Elders conducted the sale.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Main auction rams / average | 120 / $3377 |
| Previous year average (2025) | $2017 |
| Mini auction rams / average | 35 / $1749 |
| Private selection rams sold | 25 |
| Top price | $10,000 |
| Sale-topper micron | 18.4 |
| Sale-topper clean fleece weight ASBV | 32.63 (top 10%) |
| Registered bidders | 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much did the Superior Wool Merinos sale average rise?
The 19th annual ram sale average rose by more than $1300 on the previous year. The main auction of 120 Poll Merinos averaged $3377, up from a $2017 average in 2025.
What was the top price and what did the topper offer?
The top price was $10,000 for Lot two, an 18.4-micron ram. It carried a clean fleece weight in the top 10 per cent of the breed at an ASBV of 32.63, along with meat and fat, yearling staple length, structural correctness and strong claw set.
How many rams sold across the auctions?
The main auction cleared all 120 Poll Merinos, and the mini auction sold all 35 rams for a $1749 average. A further 25 private-selection rams were sold by day's end.
How many bidders took part?
There were 32 registered bidders, of which five secured double-digit tallies. Buyers came from areas ranging from South Australia's pastoral country to high-rainfall Tasmania.
Who were the major volume buyers?
The dominant buyer assembled 36 rams across both auctions for a $1992 average. The underbidder secured 12 top-end rams for a $4833 average, and two other operations each took 11 rams, averaging $3305 and $2432.
What is the stud known for?
The stud has long been renowned for its white, well-nourished wool. It has also worked to add carcase qualities, which has broadened the appeal of its sheep.
What conditions can the sheep handle?
Buyers reported the sheep can handle cold, bleak conditions in Tasmania as well as the dry and dust of pastoral country. This diversity was reflected in the wide geographical spread of buyers.
