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 2025 Virginia Tech Southwest AREC Ram Test Annual Field Day and Ram Sale will be held Friday, September 19.
- Nominations Due: May 1, 2025
- Delivery: (Tuesday) May 27, 2025
2025 SWAREC Consignment Packet contains:
Rules & Regulations- VT Southwest AREC Historical Test & Sale Expense Summary (2016-2024)
- VT Southwest AREC Historical Performance Data Summary (2012-2024)
Nomination Form
2025 SWAREC Ram Test Dates |
|
|---|---|
| Nomination Deadline | May 1 |
| Ram Delivery | Tuesday, May 27 |
| Acclimation Period (3 weeks) | May 27 - June 17 |
| Start Test | June 17 |
| 14- day Interim Date | July 1 |
| 28- day Interim Date | July 15 |
| 42- day Interim Date | July 29 |
| 56- day Interim Date | August 12 |
| Off-test (70 days) | August 26 |
| Sale & Field Day | Friday, September 19 |
Report will be posted as it become available.
- Videos will be posted as soon as they are available.
- Catalog will be posted as soon as it is available.
2024 Reference Materials:
2023 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, VA 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.
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