Tara Park Merino ram sale tops $8000 at Boorowa with 92 rams sold
Summary
The Tara Park Merino ram sale reached a top of $8000 and an overall average of $3122 at Boorowa on Monday, September 21, with 92 of the 95 March-shorn rams catalogued finding buyers. The result was well up on 2025, when 86 of 90 rams averaged $2385.
The top-priced ram, Tara Park 17, came at the start of the draft and was secured by long-term clients from Cookardinia who have sourced genetics from the Boorowa stud for nearly four decades. The ram recorded a fibre diameter of 16.5 micron, a 2.6 micron standard deviation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor.
The second-top price of $7000 was matched on two occasions. WC Barnes, Eugowra, secured Tara Park 22 at 17.3 micron with a 2.6 micron standard deviation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor, while a buyer from Winjallok, Victoria, took Tara Park 3 at 18 micron with a 2.7 micron standard deviation and a 100 per cent comfort factor.
Buyers arrived with the wool market in a positive position and demand for productive Merino genetics remaining firm. The stud has built a reputation among commercial Merino producers for large-framed sheep with good conformation, soft-handling wool and heavy-cutting fleeces.
The sale followed a strong show season, with the stud claiming the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Ram of the Year title for a second consecutive year, along with the supreme exhibit at Bathurst and the grand champion March-shorn ewe at Dubbo. Nutrien and Elders conducted the sale.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered | 95 |
| Rams sold | 92 |
| Top price | $8000 |
| Overall average | $3122 |
| Second-top price, matched twice | $7000 |
| Rams sold in 2025 | 86 of 90 |
| Average in 2025 | $2385 |
| Fibre diameter of the top-priced ram | 16.5 micron |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Tara Park Merino ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $8000 for Tara Park 17, which sold early in the draft. The second-top price of $7000 was matched on two occasions. The overall average was $3122.
How many rams sold?
Ninety-two of the 95 March-shorn Merino rams catalogued sold at the fall of the hammer. The sale was held at Boorowa on Monday, September 21.
How did the result compare with the previous year?
In 2025, 86 of 90 rams sold for an average of $2385. The 2026 sale lifted that to a $3122 average across 92 rams sold, with the top price reaching $8000.
What were the top-priced ram's wool measurements?
Tara Park 17 recorded a fibre diameter of 16.5 micron with a 2.6 micron standard deviation. Its comfort factor measured 99.8 per cent. It was bought by long-term clients from Cookardinia.
Who bought the second-top rams?
The $7000 price was matched twice. WC Barnes, Eugowra, secured Tara Park 22 at 17.3 micron, while a buyer from Winjallok, Victoria, took Tara Park 3 at 18 micron. Both rams recorded comfort factors of 99.8 and 100 per cent respectively.
What type of sheep does the Tara Park stud breed?
The Boorowa-based stud has built a reputation among commercial Merino producers for large-framed sheep with good conformation. Its sheep are noted for soft-handling wool and heavy-cutting fleeces.
What show results has the stud recorded?
The stud claimed the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Ram of the Year title for a second consecutive year. It also recorded the supreme exhibit at Bathurst and the grand champion March-shorn ewe at Dubbo.
Who conducted the sale?
The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders. It was held on-site at Boorowa.
