Sheep Industry News September 2025

The Idaho State Ram Sale Marks its 104 th Year

Liz Wilder Executive Director Idaho Wool Growers Association T he Idaho State Ram Sale, now in its 104 th year, stands as a cornerstone event in the sheep industry. Hosted by the Idaho Wool Growers Association, on July 12 th at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds in Filer, Idaho, the sale draws buyers from across the west. This annual sale show cased a wide selection of high-quality rams from breeders from six western states, offering an opportunity for sheep enthusiasts and ranchers to enhance their flocks with exclu sive genetics.

In total, 141 rams were sold with an overall sale average of $625.89.

Breed

# Head Range

Average

Expanding To New Markets The Idaho State Ram Sale brought together buyers and consignors to celebrate the rich heritage of sheep produc tion in the west. From Columbias, to Rambouillets, Suffolks to Crossbreds, and yearlings to lambs the sale provided an unparalleled opportunity for buyers to buy well rounded rams with great genes. With the ability to buy in person and online, the sale provided the opportunity for interstate collaboration and a wider buyer base. Rams went to buyers in 8 western states, including, Or egon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Montana, and South Dakota. Since the implementation of the online video auction in 2022, rams have sold across the United States, from the San Juan Islands in Washington State to West Virginia. Prior to the sale, over 400 catalogs were mailed to 27 states. This coast-to-coast reach reflects on the keen interest and unique genetics seedstock producers in the west provide. At this year’s sale, all suffolk stud rams were registered with the United Suffolk Sheep Association. In doing so, this opened the market for purebred Suffolk producers wanting registered rams for their flocks to buy out of the sale. “The online video auction, and additional marketing ef forts, has allowed the Idaho State Ram Sale to expand its reach and further showcase the important role it plays in pro viding value for sheep producers not only in Idaho, but the United States,” said Wilder, “Our goal is to continue to find ways to add value, expand our reach, and increase the bottom line of sheep producers in all levels of production.”

Columbia Yearlings Rambouillet Year lings Merino Yearlings Targhee Crossbred Yearlings Suffolk Yearlings Blackface Crossbred Yearlings Composite Yearlings

2 $275

$275

18 $300-$700 $570.83

2 $300 2 $825

$300 $825

99 $225-$2,000 $673.48 4 $400-$450 $437.50 5 $400-$475 $460 7 $400-$625 $514.29

Suffolk Lambs

Composite Lambs

2 $425

$425

Total

141 $225-$2,000 $625.89

“While prices were softer than anticipated, the Idaho Wool Growers Association thanks its buyers and consignors who help make this sale possible,” said Liz Wilder, Executive Director, “At the time of the sale on July 12 th , lambs in Idaho were not yet under contract and prices were still in negotia tion, leading to market uncertainty. The timing of how this played out is reflected in our averages. Typically, by the time the Idaho State Ram Sale rolls around, enough lambs are under contract to give buyers a floor to base their buying decisions off of. Unfortunately, this year, our sale was about 3 days too early.”

16 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org