Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Reid Redden, 325-653-4576, reid.redden@ag.tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO – Sept. 11 will mark the start of the 2017-2018 annual Ram Performance Test conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife.
The testing calendar will start with the Sept. 11 delivery of the Rambouillet rams to the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87.
Dr. Reid Redden, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo, said the test has been a key tool in helping breeders identify and select superior animals to retain within their own breeding flocks or to sell.
Other important dates associated with the ram test are:
– Sept. 26, initial shearing.
– Sept. 27, initial weigh-in.
– Nov. 15 and Jan. 3, weight-check days.
– Feb. 14, final weighing.
– Feb. 15, final shearing.
Redden said an initial fee of $375 per ram will be required and is expected to cover the costs associated with the test. Payment must be received on or before Sept. 11.
Plans for a field day and potential sale at the test’s conclusion will be announced at a later date, pending a decision by test coordinators and cooperating producers.
For more information, contact Redden at 325-653-4576, extension 224, or reid.redden@ag.tamu.edu.
Complete information as it becomes available on the test animals will be posted at http://sanangelo.tamu.edu.
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