About 200 Rafter 7 rams, internationally known for the quality of their wool and developed and raised by the University of Nevada, Reno, will be sold as part of an annual event that attracts livestock producers from around the country.

The Rafter 7 Ram Sale begins at 1 p.m., Sept. 12, at the Eureka County Fairgrounds in Eureka, Nevada, off U.S. Highway 50, about 250 miles east of Reno. Animals will be available for inspection there beginning at 8 a.m., and there will be a welcome luncheon featuring lamb at noon. At 1 p.m., the Rafter 7 line of Merino X Rambouillet and purebred Merino rams will be sold. Buyers may choose yearlings for greater potential productive lifespan or two-year-olds for a clearer view of mature size and wool characteristics.

The Rafter 7 are grown under range conditions in the high‐desert mountain ranges of Nevada and based out of the University’s Great Basin Research & Extension Center, a 644-acre ranch where research is conducted. The Rafter 7 were initially developed over 30 years ago by the University’s Experiment Station, which is a unit of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, under the direction of Hudson Glimp, professor emeritus, and Tom Filbin, herd manager from which the original Rambouillet seed stock was purchased.

“Our goal is to provide high-quality rams for the sheep industry that are adapted to rangeland conditions,” said Scott Huber, senior assistant director with the Experiment Station and leader of the Rafter 7 Merino Sheep Program. “With the Rafter 7 Program, we strive to constantly provide profit-building genetics for the sheep industry, not only for top-notch wool, but also for quality meat. Refining of management practices and breeding strategies are continuing to make improvements in the flock.”

Huber says the results from the shearing this April were very impressive. The quantity of wool increased 4.5% over last spring, but more importantly, the quality of the wool jumped significantly. This spring, 9,737 lbs. of wool were graded at the highest level, Superfine, compared to 4,421 lbs. receiving this grade last year.  

Huber said that through research, artificial insemination, data analysis and constant focus, the modern-day, dual‐purpose bloodlines have proven to enhance sheep industry profits. Emphasis is on quality wool production, lambing rates, hardiness, longevity and herding instinct, among others, as profitable production traits. Proceeds from the sale will benefit continuing research on the Rafter 7, as well as other research conducted at the Center focusing on sustainable grazing management of rangelands, livestock production, water-limited crop production and alternative irrigation strategies.

At this year’s sale, Eureka veterinarian Dr. Darla Baumann will be in attendance to provide health certificates, if needed, at the buyer’s expense. Catalogs with the latest information on the animals for sale will be mailed and available on the Ram & Ewe Sheep Sale webpage in late August. The information in the catalog will provide pertinent data to aid in selection choice for conception, mothering, weaning weights and wool. Those who can’t attend in person may arrange to participate in the sale via telephone bidding.

For more information, email Huber or call him at 775-544-1163. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.