The AuctionsPlus marketplace in FY2025 was dominated by a small group of core breeds, with Merinos continuing to hold the largest share.
However, the data based on commercial sheep throughput over the 2025 financial year reveals a gradual but clear shift in flock composition. Breeds such as Poll Dorsets and White Suffolks increased their footprint, while traditional maternal options eased back.
With the top five breeds alone accounting for more than two-thirds of total listings, the figures highlight both the resilience of Merinos and the growing role of meat-focused and composite genetics in shaping the national flock.
Purebred Merinos remains the backbone of AuctionsPlus sheep offerings, accounting for almost half of all listings in FY2025.
Over the past three financial years, Merinos have remained relatively stable in their dominance on AuctionsPlus. In FY2023, they accounted for 45% of all listings, before dipping slightly to 42% in FY2024 and then recovering to 44% in FY2025.
Poll Dorset Crosses emerged as the clear growth story of FY2025. Their share of listings rose to 9%, almost doubling from 5.4% in FY2023. In raw numbers, offerings increased by more than 70,000 head compared to the previous year.
White Suffolk Crosses maintained their strong position, representing nearly one in every 13 sheep listed. While their share slipped slightly from 8% in FY2023, the breed continues to be a cornerstone of lamb production systems.
White Suffolk Pure listings increased sharply in FY2025, rising from 121,848 head in FY2024 to 141,482. Their share of the market now sits at 5%, up from 3% in FY2023. The growth reflects strong producer confidence in retaining pure flocks to supply valuable stud and sire genetics, with demand for high-performing terminal sires feeding directly into commercial breeding programs.
At 5% of total listings, the White Suffolk/Merino Pure combination continues to provide producers with a balance between wool and carcase traits. The breed mix remains firmly within the top five, indicating its ongoing relevance as a compromise system for producers seeking dual-purpose outcomes.
Terminal sires expanding influence: Poll Dorset and White Suffolk (both pure and crossbred) collectively represent more than 21% of listings, reflecting stronger demand for meat-focused genetics.
Composites on the rise: Though outside the top five, Composite Pure listings have steadily increased to more than 125,000 head, underlining their growing role in flock structures.
Changing maternal strategies: The decline of Border Leicester Crosses demonstrates a shift away from traditional first-cross ewe systems, replaced in many cases by composites or Poll Dorset/Merino combinations.
