RAM TEST
2026 Information
This Ram Test program is designed to standardize environmental conditions to evaluate and quantify individual ram performance in the harsh southeastern US, with a primary emphasis on natural parasite resistance and growth.
Registered and commercial rams are eligible for the test. Rams must be born between December 1, 2025 and February 15, 2026 to participate.
We encourage you to consider consigning your rams to the UF Ram Test and Sale. This year the ram test has a capacity of 20 total animals and each producer will be allowed to enroll 2 animals. Please contact us for further information or to consign animals to this program. Rams must be pre-registered no later than May 4, 2026, to enroll in the program. A non-refundable $200 payment for rams will be required through Eventbrite for enrollment into the program.
Important dates:
- March 10, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – Online registration portal opens
- May 4, 2026 – Pre-registration deadline
- May 16, 2026 – Ram delivery/arrival to UF Small Ruminant Unit
- May 26, 2026 – Start of 84-day gain test
- August 17, 2026 – End of 84-day gain test
- September TBA, 2026 – Ram sale (online via Willoughby Livestock Sales)
Registration will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Contact Us
Clay Whitehead
Sheep Unit Manager & Program Coordinator
(904) 796-0441
jacobcwhitehead@ufl.edu