Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Dr. Dan Waldron, 325-653-4576, d-waldron@tamu.edu

SONORA/SAN ANGELO – The annual ram performance test, which was conducted for decades at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora, is moving, said the test’s coordinator.

Dr. Dan Waldron, AgriLife Research geneticist at San Angelo, said current staffing reductions at Sonora necessitated the change.

“The 2012-2013 test set to begin in mid-September with a similar format and calendar to previous years will be conducted at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo,” Waldron said. “We are currently notifying previous participants of the change.”

Anyone planning to submit rams for testing is asked to contact Waldron by Aug. 15 at 325-653-4576 or d-waldron@tamu.edu . Doing so will give him an idea of the pen space needed and the amount of feed to order, he said.

“We have adequate facilities to test 60 to 70 rams,” Waldron said. “If entries are expected to exceed our pen capacity here at San Angelo, we will either limit the number of entries or explore different options, so knowing the head-count now before the actual test begins is important.”

Waldron said the performance test typically includes some of the top Rambouillet genetics in the world.

“Since its start in 1948, the Sonora Ram Performance Test has been conducted for the main purpose of identifying and documenting superior rams to be used for flock improvement,” Waldron said. “Though we are moving locations, that purpose will remain the same.”

For more information on the Sonora ram test, contact Waldron or Dr. Frank Craddock, Texas AgriLife Extension Service state sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo, at 325-653-4576.

The test program’s website can be found at sanangelo.tamu.edu under the “performance tests” link.

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