Virginia Tech Sheep Extension

VTSheep - Home of the Sheep Extension Program at Virginia Tech

Extension sheep programs focus on assisting producers and the industry become more profitable and sustainable. Educational programs are delivered on a local and statewide basis to transfer new knowledge and technology to the farm. Additional programs assist producers in adding value to their sheep enterprise.

Articles, Publications, Videos & Resources

Livestock Emergency Preparedness

Copenhaver Sheep Center

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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Virginia Ram Test Program
The 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.

2026 Virginia Performance Ram Test Sale & Field Day

Saturday, August 22, 2026 - (Sale & Field Day details TBA)

Nomination Deadline: April 5, 2026 *
Ram Delivery: Tuesday, April 28
Start Test: May 11 & 12
21-day Interim Weight: June 2
35-day Interim Weight: June 16
49-day Interim Weight: June 30
Off-test (63 days): July 13 & 14
Sale & Field Day: Saturday, August 22

Visit the Virginia Ram Test Program page to learn more.

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Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram Test
The 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 18, 2026 - (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 18

Visit the VT SWAREC Ram Test page for more information.

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 Symposium
This 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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Sheep 101 Basics Workshop
This 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.
General Item

Virginia Ram Test Program
The 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.
General Item

Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram Test
The 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.