NDSU will sponsor the 2009 Performance Ram Test at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. "The purpose of the test is to compare growth and carcass traits among ram lambs raised under a similar environment," says Christopher Schauer, Hettinger Research Extension Center director and animal scientist. "Consignors will be given information on average daily gain, rib-eye area and fat thickness data for each ram."

The 70-day testing period begins May 18 and concludes July 27. To be eligible, rams must be born between Jan. 15 and March 1. The entry fee for each ram is $100 and consignors must be members of the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association.

During the test, updates on ram performance will be posted on www.ndlwpa.com every 28 days. At the end of the testing period, finalized data and rankings will be sent to all consignors.

An award will be given to the No.1 indexing ram in each breed. Rams placing in approximately the top two-thirds of each breed will be considered performance ram test certified. Producers will be able to consign these animals to the Fargo Ram Sale on Aug. 8 at Shepperd Arena or the Hettinger Ram Sale on Sept. 16 at the Adams County Fair Barn.

The consignor and Hettinger Research Extension Center agreements, entry form and North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association membership form are available for downloading at www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/hettinge/ramtest.htm.