The 2026 sheep sale season arrives at an important point for Australian wool and sheep producers. After a challenging year of feed shortages across many regions, the focus has shifted firmly toward breeding profitable, easy-care sheep that can perform in real farm conditions.
At Gunallo Poll Merino Stud, this has always been the foundation of our breeding direction.
Situated 8km south of the Mallee Highway between Murrayville (Victoria) and Pinnaroo (SA), Gunallo is built on producing uncomplicated, productive Poll Merino sheep that are early maturing, fertile, and capable of performing across a wide range of environments.
Our sheep are known for:
- Large, functional frames
- Long-stapled, crimpy white wool
- Strong constitution and adaptability
- Improving fat and Eye Muscle Depth (EMD)
- A continued move toward mules-free genetics for ease of management
These traits are not accidental—they are the result of long-term selection, extensive artificial insemination programs, and ongoing guidance from respected industry advisor Bill Walker.
2025 Season Reflection
Despite a tough year for feed availability, the livestock market remained strong for many producers, particularly in surplus ewe and lamb pricing. This reinforced a key principle that underpins our breeding program: profitability comes from efficiency, resilience, and ease of management—not complexity.
The 2025 season delivered strong results for Gunallo, including:
- Top price ram: $10,000
Purchased by Chris Prime, Nantoura Poll Merino Stud (Wharminda, SA) - Strong demand for genetics across multiple Australian states
- Continued export of semen to Argentina
We are proud of these outcomes, not only for the commercial results, but for the confidence it demonstrates in the direction of the stud.
Breeding Direction & 2026 Sale Team
The 2026 young rams are presenting with significant depth across the flock. In particular, we are seeing improved expression in:
- Free-growing, high-quality wool
- Strong structural correctness
- Increased eye muscle and fat coverage
- Early maturity and fertility traits
This year’s genetics draw on a wide and carefully selected sire base, including progeny and influence from:
Gunallo 230216, Gunallo 230090, Gunallo 230311, Leahcim 233461, Richmond 230080, Glenlea Park 1063, Gunallo 431, Leahcim 2477, Mernowie 1080, Richmond 220128, Gunallo 551, Forest Springs 220291, and other leading bloodlines.
This structured approach ensures we continue to build consistency while pushing performance forward generation after generation.
Sale Season Events – 2026
We welcome producers to inspect the Gunallo team throughout the season at the following events:
- Australian Sheep & Wool Show – Bendigo
- South East Field Days – Keith
- Sheepvention – Hamilton
- Classings Classic Ram Sale
- Adelaide Ram Sale
These events provide a valuable opportunity to view the 2026 sale team, compare genetics, and discuss breeding objectives in person.
Classings Classic – The Industry Benchmark
The Classings Classic Ram Sale remains one of the most important industry comparisons of the year, bringing together leading Poll Merino genetics from across Australia.
We are proud to present Gunallo rams in this environment, where performance is measured directly against the best in the industry. It is a valuable benchmark for our program and a key part of ensuring we continue to improve year after year.
47th Annual On-Property Ram Sale
📍 Gunallo Stud, Panitya
📅 Thursday 3 September 2026
🐏 120 specially selected Poll Merino rams
⏰ 1:00pm start
Our on-property sale remains the centrepiece of the year.
All rams will have:
- Current wool test data
- ASBV performance figures (Sheep Genetics Australia)
- Structural and visual assessments available for inspection
Inspections are welcome at any time in the lead-up to sale day.
Accreditations
Gunallo remains committed to industry integrity and animal health standards:
- Brucellosis Free Accreditation
- MN3 Status – SheepMAP
- Gudair Vaccinated
- Sheep Genetics ASBV recording system
Looking Ahead
Despite a challenging season, we are extremely pleased with the results achieved and the quality of sheep coming through the 2026 drop.
The combination of seasonal improvement and strong genetics is setting up one of the most consistent and balanced sale teams we have presented.
We look forward to welcoming producers across the season, sharing the progress of the program, and supporting clients in achieving their sheep production goals.
📩 Stay Connected
For catalogue releases, updates, and full sale details:
👉 Download the 2026 Gunallo Newsletter