Tallawong Merino ram sale tops $9500 for a $3116 average
Summary
Strong support from local volume buyers across the Yass and Canberra districts buoyed prices at Tallawong Merino and Poll Merinos' 22nd annual on-property ram sale on Tuesday, October 13. Of the 123 sires offered, 103 sold for an average of $3116 and a sale high of $9500 for Tallawong 250317.
The average was a significant improvement on last year's $2329, and the top price well up on the 2025 peak of $7000, which the same buyer had also secured.
The top-priced ram, by Greendale 232663 out of Tallawong 220188, sold to Tidbinbilla Station, Tharwa, in the ACT. His fleece tested 16.4 micron with a standard deviation of 2.6, a coefficient of variation of 15.6 and a comfort factor of 99.4 per cent. On Australian sheep breeding values he sat in the top 1 per cent for yearling fibre diameter at -3.9, with a wool production index of +215 and a fine wool index of +230.
The buyer has brought in Tallawong genetics for 18 years and took 12 lots at a $3479 average. The southern ACT operation runs 5000 ewes across 2800 hectares at a 16.5 micron average and 4.5 to 5 kilograms greasy weight, in a high rainfall environment of 655 millimetres.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Sires offered, sold | 123 offered, 103 sold |
| Sale average | $3116 |
| Sale high |
$9500 |
| 2025 result | $2329 average, $7000 top |
| Second top price | $7500 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 16.4 micron |
| Largest draft, average | 15 lots at $2167 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Tallawong Merino ram sale top at?
The sale high was $9500 for Tallawong 250317. Of the 123 sires offered, 103 sold for an average of $3116. It was the stud's 22nd annual on-property sale.
How much did the average rise?
The $3116 average was a significant improvement on last year's $2329. The top price also lifted well above the 2025 peak of $7000, which the same buyer secured.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
His fleece tested 16.4 micron with a standard deviation of 2.6, a coefficient of variation of 15.6 and a comfort factor of 99.4 per cent. On Australian sheep breeding values he was top 1 per cent for yearling fibre diameter at -3.9, with a wool production index of +215 and a fine wool index of +230. He is by Greendale 232663 out of Tallawong 220188.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Tidbinbilla Station, Tharwa, in the ACT, secured him as one of 12 lots averaging $3479. The operation has brought in Tallawong genetics for 18 years. The buyers cited fineness and whiteness, noting the rams cut plenty of wool and plenty of dollars with a reasonable frame.
What sort of country are those rams going to?
The southern ACT operation runs 5000 ewes across 2800 hectares with a 16.5 micron average at 4.5 to 5 kilograms greasy weight. It is a high rainfall environment of 655 millimetres. The buyers said they do not treat any sheep for flies and value rams that handle their environment in rain, hail or shine.
Who were the volume buyers?
Mulliondale, Yass, was the largest, taking 15 lots at a $2167 average with a team top of $3500. Booroomba Station, Tharwa, ACT, bought 10 lots averaging $4250 to a $7000 top, and Brendabilla Pastoral Co, Young, also took 10 at $2550. Reynolds Pastoral Co purchased eight lots at $3531, including the $7500 second top.
What traits are clients chasing?
Wool type remains the priority, with buyers hunting brightness in particular, but dual-purpose potential is playing a bigger role. One volume buyer now sells wether lambs at 13 months and said the rams finish well for carcase weight as well as cutting good wool. That operation runs 3000 ewes across 1000 hectares cutting 6.5 to 7 kilograms greasy at 16 to 16.5 micron.
What did the stud and agents say?
The stud principal said the focus remains on an economically productive, heavy cutting, fine wool Merino, but that carcase is becoming increasingly important to clients. He described the season as unusually and exceptionally good, with a mild winter driving strong growth in the sale rams. The selling agent said the best of the catalogue drew the most robust competition and rated the sale pretty strong overall.
