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Virginia Ram Test Program

Photo of the entrance to the Virginia Sheep Evaluation Center at the Virginia Tech Shenandoah Valley Research and Extension Center. Steeles Tavern, VA.

The Ram Lamb Test is held at the Virginia Sheep Evaluation Center on the Virginia Tech Shenandoah Valley Research and Extension Center in Steeles Tavern, VA. This program is sponsored by the Virginia Sheep Producers Association and the VSPA Seedstock Council. The Virginia Ram Test is among the oldest, most continuously operated ram evaluation programs in the U.S., with the program existing at the current location since the mid-1970s.

The program purpose is:

  1. To provide a standard, impartial postweaning performance test that will furnish records which will be useful to the consignor's breeding program;
  2. To provide a source of and market for performance tested rams;
  3. To serve as an educational tool for the sheep industry.

The 2024 Virginia Performance Ram Lamb Test Sale is set for Saturday, August 24, 2024. 

  • Nominations Due: April 5
  • Delivery: Monday, April 29  

2024 Consignment Packet contains:

2024 VA Performance Ram Test Dates

Nomination Deadline April 5
Ram Delivery Monday, April 29
Start Test May 13 & 14
21-day Interim Weight                                                June 4
35-day Interim Weight June 18
49-day Interim Weight July 2
Off-test (63 days) July 15 & 16
Sale & Field Day Saturday, August 24
  • Reports will be posted as they become available.







  • Reports will be posted as they become available.







  • Videos will be posted as they become available.








  • Videos will be posted as they become available.








 

Catalog will be posted and embedded below as soon as it becomes available.




 

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The Virginia Performance Ram Lamb Test Sale will host a Ewe Lamb Sale, immediately following the ram sale. The 2024 Ewe Sale Rules and consignment details will be posted as soon as they are available.

Consignments are open to members in good standing with the Virginia Sheep Producers Association and the Virginia Sheep Seedstock Council.