Wurrook Merino ram sale tops $10,000 at Rokewood for a $2929 average
Summary
The result of the Wurrook Merino stud's annual ram sale exceeded the expectations of its principals, with the top-priced ram selling for $10,000 and the overall average reaching $2929. The stud sold 82 of the 91 rams offered at auction, with further rams selling afterwards. That compared with a top of $7000 and an average of $2450 in 2025.
The Rokewood-based stud has endured a few very tough years of dry conditions and low wool prices, but the principal believes the wool market has a positive future. He said the stud was happy with the result, noting some of the southern sales had been a little subdued compared with the northern sales as it takes a while for flocks to rebuild.
The top-priced ram, lot 5, sold to return buyer Dalbeen, Lake Bolac. The two-year-old polled ram was sired by Yarra Poll 22-1034 and carried an 18.2-micron fleece with a standard deviation of 3.4, a coefficient of variation of 18.5 and a comfort factor of 99.6 per cent.
The buyer said the quality of the ram's wool stood out, describing a beautiful fleece, a micron that suited the operation and very good body composition, adding that those types of rams do not come along every day.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered, sold at auction | 91 offered, 82 sold |
| Sale average | $2929 |
| Top price | $10,000 |
| 2025 result | $2450 average, $7000 top |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 18.2 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.6 per cent |
| Top ram standard deviation | 3.4 |
| Buyer relationship | More than four decades |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Wurrook Merino ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $10,000 for lot 5. The stud sold 82 of the 91 rams offered at auction for an overall average of $2929, with further rams selling after the auction. The result exceeded the principals' expectations.
How did the result compare with 2025?
Both the top price and the average rose. In 2025 the stud topped at $7000 with a $2450 average, against $10,000 and $2929 this year.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Return buyer Dalbeen, Lake Bolac, secured him. The buyer's family has bought rams from the stud for more than four decades.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
The two-year-old polled ram was sired by Yarra Poll 22-1034 and carried an 18.2-micron fleece. His standard deviation was 3.4, coefficient of variation 18.5 and comfort factor 99.6 per cent.
Why did that ram appeal?
The buyer said the quality of the ram's wool stood out, describing a beautiful fleece on him. He said the micron suited the operation and the ram's body composition was very good, adding that those types of rams do not come along every day.
Why have Merino ram prices risen?
The stud principal said a declining supply of Merinos had helped push up prices, noting there is not the quantity of wool about this year and that sheep numbers in the area have certainly decreased. The selling agent agreed, saying prices had increased because a number of people destocked their Merino flocks in recent years.
What type of Merino are buyers seeking?
The principal said demand for bigger, fine wool rams was higher than for superfines at the moment, with people wanting bigger sheep carrying more wool and producing more lambs. He said breeding Merinos gives you the best of both worlds because they are dual-purpose. The selling agent added that the poll genetics were very highly sought after.
What is the outlook for the stud?
The stud has endured a few very tough years of dry conditions and low wool prices, but the principal believes the wool market has a positive future. He noted some southern sales had been a little subdued compared with northern sales while flocks rebuild. The selling agent said the rams were in excellent condition and that a number of producers are now looking to get back into the industry on the back of improved prices.
