But they recognise a lack of unjoined Merino ewes, their rising value and continued interest in maternal and terminal matings could delay further Merino joinings.

Terrick West principal Ross McGauchie said it was hard to imagine that there won’t be good demand for Merino rams this year.

He had sold more rams than usual since Christmas for Autumn joinings and said the shortage of Merino ewes was more widely recognised.

“It looks hopeful.”

Mr McGauchie said he had orders for rams from farmers now connected to the new Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline and some interest from breeders switching from terminal to Merino joinings to breed more ewes.

Koole Vale stud principal Alan Harris said he was hopeful the increased interest and confidence in Merinos would translate into ram sales.

“People are positive – you can talk to them about Merino rams this year.”

“But because of the lack of Merino ewes it’s going to be hard to translate it into ram sales straight away.”

Panorama stud principal Frank Byrne said Merino ram demand should be good with the grain job suffering from a “pain in the guts” from poor prices and yields, medium wool flocks grossing up to $1200 a bale for wool and Merino wether lambs selling for up to $116 at Bendigo on Monday.

His stud had sold out of last year’s rams and some December 2008-drop rams had already been sold.

Karwoola stud principal Peter Touhey was hoping the buoyant sheep prices and ewe demand would translate into rams sales, but he sold most of his rams from August to October.

Willera Poll Merino stud principal Robert Hooke said he was yet to see a big jump in Merino ram demand. He said too many people were still considering joining composite breeds to their Merino ewes.