Janine Johnson

Janine Johnson raises Tunis sheep in Minooka, IL, in Will County near Chicago. Johnson has bred Tunis sheep for over a decade with regular health screenings and membership in the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy to ensure sound genetics. The flock lives on pasture rotationally grazed to support hoof and digestive health, and lambs are socialized daily to build calm temperaments.

Johnson emphasizes sustainable practices, integrating native grasses and cover crops to maintain soil fertility and bird habitat between grazing cycles. A graduate of animal science, she draws on research partnerships to refine breeding goals, focusing on hardy stock suited to small-acreage farms. Select ewes have received ribbons for fleece quality at county and regional fairs. Regular tour days encourage neighborly interaction, and customer feedback notes the approachable nature of both sheep and shepherd. Prospective farmers appreciate straightforward discussions about flock management and long-term care commitments.