Virginia Tech Sheep Extension
Virginia’s sheep population of over 89,000 exists in all regions of the state. The 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
Upcoming Webinar - Solar Grazing with Sheep: Info & Experiences from the Virginia Region
November 21, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 AM (EST)
Please join in for an educational webinar on sheep grazing at utility-scale solar sites from the Virginia region. Speakers will share information and experiences across a variety of topics, including:an overview of sheep in Virginia history,markets, and management; targeted grazing programs of the American Lamb Board; using agricultural enterprise budget tools for insights into sheep grazing opportunities; solar grazing forage management considerations and experiences in the region; and highlighting some first-hand experiences from solar graziers, and more. Please join this educational webinar to hear these presentations and ask your questions.
Speakers:
- Dr. Scott Greiner – Professor & Extension Animal Scientist, Beef & Sheep;
- Dr. Camren Maierle - Sustainability Director, American Lamb Board;
- Tom Stanley – Extension Agent, Farm Business Management;
- Dr. John Fike – Professor and Forage Extension Specialist;
- John Ignosh, Extension Specialist
See flyer for additional details.
Questions?
Contact John Ignosh (jignosh@vt.edu).
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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.
Additional Small Ruminant opportunities...
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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Sheep 101 Basics WorkshopThis 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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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.