Virginia Ram Test Program
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:
- To provide a standard, impartial postweaning performance test that will furnish records which will be useful to the consignor's breeding program;
- To provide a source of and market for performance tested rams;
- To serve as an educational tool for the sheep industry.
The 2026 Virginia Performance Ram Lamb Test Sale will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026.
- Nominations Due: April 5
- Delivery: Monday, April 28
2026 Consignment Packet contains:
2026 Virginia Performance Ram Test Dates |
|
|---|---|
| Nomination Deadline | April 5 |
| 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 |
- Ram Test Report - Start 5-11-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Test Report - 21d 6-2-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Test Report - 35d 6-16-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Test Report - 49d 6-30-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Test Final Report - 7-31-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Custom Test Report - Start 5-11-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Custom Test Report - 21d 6-2-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Custom Test Report - 35d 6-16-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Custom Test Report - 49d 6-30-26 (upcoming)
- Ram Custom Test Final Report - 7-31-26 (upcoming)
- Videos will be posted as soon as they are available.
- Videos will be posted as soon as they are available.
The 2026 sale catalog will be posted as soon as it is available.
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The Virginia Performance Ram Lamb Test Sale will host a Ewe Lamb Sale, immediately following the ram sale. The 2026 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.
Contacts