Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center Ram Test
Virginia Tech's Southwest Ag Research and Extension Center Ram Test was initiated in 2012, and is the only program in the U.S. evaluating rams through a forage-based performance test designed specifically to evaluate post-weaning growth and parasite resistance. The test provides a mechanism for which ram lambs can be evaluated among rams from other flocks in a common environment, with the top end of the rams offered for sale at the conclusion of the program. Since inception, the program has had strong participation from breeders across the country, as well as sent rams to multiple states through the sale. This program is unique and created much interest across the industry.
The program purpose is:
- To provide a standardized post-weaning performance evaluation of growth and parasite resistance that will furnish records which will be useful to the consignor's breeding program.
- To serve as an educational tool for the sheep industry.
The 2026 Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Ram Test Annual Field Day and Ram Sale will be held Friday, September 18.
- Nominations Due: May 1, 2026
- Delivery: (Tuesday) May 26, 2026
2026 SWAREC Ram Test Dates |
|
|---|---|
| Nomination Deadline | May 1 |
| 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 Date | July 14 |
| 42-day Interim Date | July 28 |
| 56-day Interim Date | August 11 |
| Off-test (70 days) | August 25 |
| Sale & Field Day | Friday, September 18 |
- 2026 SWAREC Ram Test Start Test Report 6/16/26
- 2026 SWAREC Ram Test 14d Report 6/30/26
- 2026 SWAREC Ram Test 28d Report 7/14/26
- 2026 SWAREC Ram Test 42d Report 7/28/26
- 2026 SWAREC Ram Test 56d Report 8/11/26
* The reports above will convert to links once available. *
- Once available, videos for the 2026 SWAREC Ram Sale will be posted below.
- The 2026 Catalog will be posted once available.
- Sale Order will be posted once available.
2025 Reference Materials:
2024 Reference Materials:
2023 Reference Materials:
Older reference materials
Video Field Day Topics:
- Selection for Parasite Resistance in Katahdin Sheep- Dr. Andrew Weaver, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Small Ruminants, North Carolina State University
- Southwest AREC Ram Test Program 2012-2019: What We’ve Learned- Dr. Scott Greiner, Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech
- Utilizing NSIP and EBV’s in Your Production System- Lee Wright, Senior Research Associate/Superintendent, Virginia Tech Southwest AREC
- Update on Available Assistance from VSU Small Farm Outreach Programs for Southwest VA- Mandy Fletcher, Small Farm Outreach Program/Agriculture Agent, Virginia State Univ.
Follow the program on Social Media
SWAREC Ram Test Contacts
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Unique ram test and sale measures natural parasite resistance, boosts sheep industry , articleBy tracking and isolating rams that are resistant to the barber pole worm, the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center helps the entire sheep industry.