The Colorado Ram Test was established at the San Juan Basin Research Center in 1980. The first seven years of the test involved only mutton-type breeds. In 1988, the test included wool-type breeds for the first time. Ram lambs, from breeders throughout Colorado, weighing 40 to 100 pounds were put on a 70-day test in May and the top 75% are sold in September. In 1993, the test was relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado where it continues today.