Terrick Merinos ram sale at Blackall averages $1401 as a repeat NSW buyer secures both the top horned and poll rams
Summary
The annual Terrick Merinos ram auction at Blackall, held on the first day of spring on September 1, drew solid demand from across western Queensland, with buyers travelling from Quilpie, Jundah, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Aramac and Hughenden. A repeat NSW buyer from Bungara, Burren Junction, again claimed the sale's top honours, paying $4100 for the top horned Merino ram, an AI son of Nerstane 404, and $1900 for the top poll Merino, an AI ram sired by Willandra 38. Under the hammer, 88 of 100 rams sold, an 88 per cent clearance, for an average of $1401; two further rams sold post-auction, lifting the tally to 90 rams at an average of $1394. The 56 Merinos averaged $1410 while the poll Merinos averaged $1367. The results tracked close to 2025, when the stud recorded a 98 per cent clearance, a Merino average of $1436 and a poll average of $1375, alongside last year's top prices of $3100 and $3400. The top-priced Nerstane son carried a fleece weight EBV of 6.7, a fibre diameter EBV of -1.2 and a body weight EBV of 2.3, while the top poll ram matched him on fleece weight at 6.7. The second top ram made $2000, bought by Aberfieldy Pastoral Co of North Elmsdale, Ilfracombe. Volume buyer Mims Grazing of Winton selected 20 rams at an average of $1195, and Eldwick Pastoral of Jundah took 12 rams averaging $1375. Nutrien and Elders were the selling agents.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top horned Merino ram price | $4100 |
| Top poll Merino ram price | $1900 |
| Rams sold under hammer | 88 of 100 (88%) |
| Average price under hammer | $1401 |
| Average including post-auction | $1394 (90 rams) |
| Merino average | $1410 |
| Poll Merino average | $1367 |
| 2025 clearance | 98% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the 2026 Terrick Merinos ram sale?
The top horned Merino ram sold for $4100 and was an AI son of Nerstane 404. The top poll Merino, sired by Willandra 38, made $1900. Both went to a returning NSW buyer.
What was the average price and clearance rate?
Under the hammer, 88 of 100 rams sold for an 88 per cent clearance at an average of $1401. With two post-auction sales, the average settled at $1394 across 90 rams.
How did the Merino and poll averages compare?
The 56 Merinos sold averaged $1410, while the poll Merinos averaged $1367. The sale showed steady, broad-based demand across both types.
How did 2026 compare with the previous year?
In 2025 the stud finished with a 98 per cent clearance, a Merino average of $1436 and a poll average of $1375. Last year's top prices were $3100 for a Merino and $3400 for a poll.
What EBVs did the top-priced ram carry?
The top Nerstane son had a fleece weight EBV of 6.7, a fibre diameter EBV of -1.2 and a body weight EBV of 2.3. The top poll ram also carried a fleece weight EBV of 6.7, with a fibre diameter EBV of -1 and a body weight EBV of 3.5.
Where did buyers travel from?
Buyers came from across western Queensland, including Quilpie, Jundah, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Aramac and Hughenden. The sale was held at Blackall on September 1.
Who were the main volume buyers?
Mims Grazing of Winton was the volume buyer, taking 20 rams at an average of $1195, while Eldwick Pastoral of Jundah bought 12 rams averaging $1375. The second top-priced ram, at $2000, went to Aberfieldy Pastoral Co.
Which agents conducted the sale?
The selling agents were Nutrien and Elders. The auction was held on the first day of spring at Blackall.
