Western Australian buyer's resolve drives a $55,000 top as the 2026 Yarrawonga Merino sale clears all 280 lots at a $5771 average
Summary
A Western Australian stud's conviction in a future sire sparked a bidding duel at the 2026 Yarrawonga Merino and Poll Merino sale at Harden, sending the top-priced ram across the Nullarbor. All 280 lots sold to average $5771 and a top of $55,000, well up on last year's $3646 average and $23,000 top. The sale topper weighed 118 kilograms and measured 18.1 micron, cutting a 10.5-kilogram greasy fleece with a standard deviation of 2.9, a coefficient of variation of 15.8 and a comfort factor of 99.5 per cent, plus a yearling greasy fleece weight breeding value of +39, ranking in the top 1 per cent. The buyers had first seen the ram at a major sheep and wool show in July. The second top ram made $24,000, weighing 115 kilograms at 18.2 micron with a 12.4-kilogram fleece. Volume support was widespread: one operation took 14 rams to average $4714, another secured 20 rams at $4950, and further teams paid up to $10,000 for standouts. The overall offering averaged 106.5 kilograms and exactly 18 micron, with strong wool quality complemented by early growth and meat potential. Auctioneers reported firm competition from new and returning clients, rams heading locally and interstate, and studstock benefiting from strong wool and mutton markets. The sale was conducted by Elders, Nutrien and an independent agency.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Lots sold | 280 (100%) |
| Average price | $5771 |
| Top price | $55,000 |
| Second top price | $24,000 |
| Top ram micron | 18.1 |
| Top ram fleece weight | 10.5 kg |
| 2025 average | $3646 |
| Overall average micron | 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the headline results of the 2026 Yarrawonga Merino sale?
All 280 lots sold to average $5771 and a top of $55,000. Both figures were well up on the previous year's $3646 average and $23,000 top.
What did the top-priced ram measure?
The sale topper weighed 118 kilograms and measured 18.1 micron. It cut a 10.5-kilogram greasy fleece with a comfort factor of 99.5 per cent and ranked in the top 1 per cent for yearling greasy fleece weight with a breeding value of +39.
Where did the top ram go?
The top-priced ram crossed the Nullarbor to a Western Australian Poll Merino stud at Nyabing. The buyers had first seen the ram at a major sheep and wool show in July.
What did the second top ram sell for?
The second top ram made $24,000. It weighed 115 kilograms at 18.2 micron and cut a 12.4-kilogram greasy fleece, testing in the top 10 per cent for yearling greasy fleece weight.
Who were the main volume buyers?
One operation bought 14 rams to average $4714, and another secured 20 rams to average $4950. Additional teams paid up to $10,000 for their best selections.
What was the overall quality of the offering?
The offering averaged 106.5 kilograms and exactly 18 micron. Wool quality was the standout, complemented by early growth and meat potential.
Why are Merino studstock prices strong?
Strong wool and mutton markets were translating into the studstock sector. Early ram sales in the season were reported as stronger than the previous year.
