The annual Gippsland Stud Merino Breeders ram sale was held last Tuesday, the top-priced ram making $6000.
Sold by the Pendergast family’s Pendarra stud, Benambra, the top ram was one of a 120-head offering, where 92 rams sold, averaging $1937.50.
Elders district wool manager, Madi Gallagher, said the average was back on last year’s sale but the clearance was on par.
“We were really satisfied with the result particularly with the current wool market being subdued,” Ms Gallagher said.
“The result definitely exceeded our expectations, given the harsh conditions in the
west of the state.
“The rams were well presented, with good depth of quality across the line up.”
The 2024 sale top price was $8000 achieved by Pendarra with a $2243 average for 116 rams sold of the 140 head offered.
Ms Gallagher said repeat and volume buyers, both from locally and western Victoria put a good base in the market.
“Some pressure was felt by the smaller studs who have been most affected by clients exiting the Merino industry, however
they still displayed exceptional quality in their line ups.”
Ms Gallagher said the unsold rams were now available for purchase out of the paddock.
