The catalogue will include 87 rams from 35 studs for the event, which is staged annually in Canberra.

To be held on Monday, January 23, the annual sale saw a big jump in entries from 2011 where just 70 rams from 21 studs were offered.

GSSM committee president Bob Walters, Dalgety, said the appeal of the sale was down to the opportunity to examine an offering from a wide range of highly regarded Merino studs.

"It offers a good cross-section of the Merino industry," he said.

"There should also be some more interest from a few more northern, as well as Victorian, buyers this year.

"All the on-property sales have been very good this year, and I think there is still has a lot of momentum."

The sale is set to start at 11am on Monday, January 23, the culmination of the four day GSSM show and sale.

Also included in the program is a field day on Friday, January 20, from 9am to 5pm, which kicks off the proceedings on farm and in Boorowa.

Several studs will open their doors, including Merryville (at "Geegullalong", Boorowa), Tara Park, Merrignee and Koonwarra, Winyar (in Boorowa at Riverside Park), Demondrille and Bogo.

The two-day show takes place on Saturday and Sunday, January 21-22, at Canber- ra's Exhibition Park.

Judges will include Harley Hedger, Snowy Plain Merino stud, Berridale, judging superfine Merinos; George McKenzie, Montrose Hill Merino stud, Illabrook, Victoria, judging finewools, and Mark Pendergast, Cottage Park Merino stud, Cooma, judging the medium strong wools.

Judging takes place from 1pm Saturday.

Rabobank will once again be the major sponsor for GSSM.