Virginia Tech Sheep Extension
Sheep in Virginia
Virginia’s sheep population of over 89,000 exists in all regions of the state. Our state’s abundant forage resources, moderate climate, and close proximity to markets make Virginia ideally suited for a vibrant, diverse sheep industry. Multiple management and production systems are employed in the state, with the majority of lambs born in the spring and raised in a forage-based environment. Commercial, spring-lambing flocks comprise the majority of the industry which is supported by a strong seedstock industry. Growing segments include sheep raised for youth 4-H projects as well as hair sheep.
Upcoming Events & New Information
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Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram TestThe Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Ram Test began in 2012 and consists primarily of Katahdin sheep breeders from across the United States. This program is unique and created with much discussion and interest across the industry. Through the forage-based ram performance test, designed specifically to quantify growth and parasite resistance in rams. The program concludes with an annual field day and sale of the top ~50% of rams the fourth Friday in September.
2026 Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram Test Sale & Field Day
Friday, September 25, 2026 (Please note new date.)
Sale & Field Day details TBA
- Nomination Deadline: May 1, 2026 *
- Ram Delivery: Tuesday, May 26
- Acclimation Period (3 weeks): May 27 - June 15
- Start Test: June 16
- 14-day Interim Date: June 30
- 28-day Interim Weight: July 14
- 42-day Interim Weight: July 28
- 56-day Interim Weight: August 11
- Off-test (70 days): August 25
- Sale & Field Day: Friday, September 25
Visit the VT SWAREC Ram Test page for more information.
2026 Virginia Tech Lambing School
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Virginia Tech Copenhaver Sheep Center, Blacksburg, VA
- Print Flyer
- Registration Link
- Questions: Dr. Scott Greiner: 540-231-9159
This workshop is designed for individuals who want to learn more about lambing-time management. The school will showcase specific management practices required in preparation for and around the time of lambing. Participants will attend classroom lectures and receive hands-on experience with ewes and lambs.
Cost is $30 per person. Please make checks payable to Virginia Sheep Producers Association upon arrival. A resource notebook and lunch are provided with registration.
Topic areas to be covered include:
- Basic Record Keeping
- Equipment and Infrastructure
- Disease Prevention
- Gestation and Lactation Management
- Delivery and Dystocia
- Lamb Processing
If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations for any Extension event, please discuss your accommodation needs with the Extension staff at your local Extension office at least 1 week prior to the event.
Sheep Programs
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Shepherd's SymposiumThis annual program provides education on current topics and research of interest to sheep producers. The one-day event includes a blend of lecture and demonstration sessions. The Symposium is typically held in early January, and location is rotated across the state.
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Lambing School and Sheep Basics WorkshopsThis educational program is designed for new and beginning shepherds to provide hands-on experience and training in basic sheep production techniques. Topic areas include nutrition, health, genetics, reproduction, marketing, and management. Instruction includes opportunity for participants to work with sheep to learn necessary skills and attain experience. The Workshop will be held as a two-day event in October, as well as, annually in conjunction with the Shepherd’s Symposium.
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Virginia Ram Test ProgramThe Virginia Ram Test has existed at the Shenandoah Valley AREC since 1975. Ram lambs, consigned by the state’s producers, are developed and managed in a central location to provide objective information on economically important traits such as growth and carcass performance. The program concludes with an annual sale of rams the fourth Saturday in August.
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General Item
Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram TestThe Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Ram Test began in 2012 and consists primarily of Katahdin sheep breeders from across the United States. This program is unique and created with much discussion and interest across the industry. Through the forage-based ram performance test, designed specifically to quantify growth and parasite resistance in rams. The program concludes with an annual field day and sale of the top ~50% of rams the fourth Friday in September.