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The Hettinger, ND Ram Test recently released results of the January 112-day weigh-in, and two Montana rams topped the gain data. Veteran Columbia producers, Luanne Wallenwein of Timber Coulee Columbias in Sunburst, Montana and Loni Blackman of Wolf Creek, Montana, deserve a shout out.

Timber Coulee's test consignment, TC 546, posted an ADG of 1.29 lbs/day, the highest rate of gain among all 68 rams on test and all breeds on test, including Columbia, Rambouillet, Targhee, Dorset, and Merino!

Loni Blackman's consignment, L. Blackman 23880, earned the 2nd highest rate of gain among all rams and all breeds on test with an ADG of 1.28 lbs/day.

Both rams are QR, twin-born, early April lambs. On the January 11 weigh-in, TC 546 weighed 226 pounds, and L. Blackman 23880 weighed 236 pounds. Final test weight data will be collected on February 9, 2024, after which rams will be:

• Evaluated for belly wool and face wool

• Re-sheared and their wool evaluated for micron, staple length, and yield

• Ultrasound measured for back fat and ribeye area, adjusted to a per hundred pounds of body weight basis

The rams were sheared last week and the fleeces sent to Texas for lab analysis. Final results will come back by March 9th.

Congratulations to Luanne Wallenwein of Timber Coulee Columbias and Loni Blackman!