Confidence in the wool industry surged at the Gippsland Agricultural Centre in Bairnsdale on Tuesday, September 1, as the annual Gippsland Stud Merino Ram Sale recorded a sharp rise in average prices.
Buyers cleared 107 of the 122 rams offered on the day, achieving an overall sale average of $3019. The result marks a significant jump from last year’s average of $1937, reflecting robust regional demand for high-quality stud genetics.
The sale reached an equal top price of $8000, hit by both the Pendarra and Stockton studs.
Pendarra’s Lot 2 sold for $8000 to Chris and Amber Connley of Rosevale Pastoral, Benambra. The sire posted impressive wool measurements, testing at 17.7 micron, 2.4 SD, 13.3 per cent CV, and 99.9 per cent comfort factor.
Stockton matched the peak price with Lot 65, which was secured for $8000 by Eildon Springs Merino Stud in Lexton. The ram recorded fine wool figures of 17.1 micron, 2.2 SD, 12.6 per cent CV, and 100 per cent comfort factor.
Competition was broad throughout the auction, with rams sold to stud and commercial producers across New South Wales, the Western District, North East Victoria, Central Victoria, the Mallee, and locally within Gippsland.
Pendarra enjoyed the largest draft of the day, selling 70 of 72 rams offered to top the vendor averages at $3271.
