AWN AWN Northern NSW team delivered a strong start to the year, conducting five on‑property ram sales across January and February and achieving consistent results throughout the region. Demand remained steady for high‑quality Merino and Poll Dorset genetics, with buyers travelling from across New England and as far as southern Victoria to secure leading sires.
Tarrangower Ultra Fine Merino kicked off the season with its first on‑property sale in January, offering 30 rams ranging from 12 to 14.5 microns across both horned and poll lines. The stud drew solid support from New England, Inverell, Mudgee, and southern Victorian buyers. The top ram sold for $7,000 to the Hundy family of Sallys Flat, with the catalogue averaging $1,950.
In early February, AWN participated in the Armidale Housed Ram Show and Sale, which featured 40 stud and specially selected rams. AWN represented an impressive lineup including Merryville, Westvale, Hillcreston, Alfoxton, Bocoble, Grathlyn, Shalimar Park, Nerstane, Glenbrook, Glenburnie, Arakoon, and Waverley Downs. Standout prices for AWN clients included $10,000 for Grathlyn, $7,000 for Merryville, and $6,000 for Glenburnie, with strong results also recorded for Glenbrook, Arakoon, Bocoble and Shalimar Park.
Glenburnie Merino Stud’s transition from the Walcha Showgrounds to an on‑property format proved successful, offering 35 superfine and fine wool Merino rams along with 20 Poll Dorset rams. Most lots sold to New England buyers from Armidale, Guyra and Walcha. The top‑priced Merino ram reached $2,900, averaging $1,450, while the Poll Dorsets averaged $1,250.
Waverley Downs continued the momentum on 7 February, offering 60 horned and poll superfine/fine wool rams. The stud sold 54 rams, achieving a top of $3,900 and an average of $1,880.
Rounding out the period, Karori Merino Stud shifted to a two‑day private selection format managed by AWN on behalf of the Bloomfield family. Forty rams were sold, averaging above $1,900, with buyers spanning Walcha, Armidale, Bathurst, Glen Innes, and Guyra.
AWN Northern NSW Specialist, John Croake, highlighted the clear shift in breeder demand across the region, stating:
“This season has highlighted a clear shift in breeder demand, with many sheep producers seeking larger-framed rams to join their flocks. This trend is largely driven by stronger meat values across all sheep categories.
“At the same time, growers are actively pursuing finer micron rams to capitalise on premium pricing and to address the limited availability of these types, particularly those at 15 microns and finer. The proportion of polled versus horned Merino rams sold has also continued to rise, reflecting a steady increase in the preference for polled genetics over the past five years.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all vendors for entrusting us with the marketing of both stud and commercial rams, and to all purchasers for their confidence in AWN’s advice in sourcing high‑quality Merino genetics.”
AWN expresses its appreciation to all participating studs and thanks buyers across the region for their continued support throughout the early 2026 selling season.
For further information on AWN’s Northern NSW ram sales, contact John Croake:
John Croake
Northern NSW Specialist – Wool / Livestock / Property
Tamworth, NSW
M 0428 977 589
E jcroake@awn.net
Find your local AWN Stud Stock or Sheep & Wool specialist today via our contact page.
