Michaela Bugman

Michaela Bugman and Meredith Bugman, Tunis sheep, Garrison, NY, tend a small flock in the Hudson Valley near Poughkeepsie. They have bred Tunis sheep on a small family farm for several years and maintain membership in the American Tunis Sheep Breeders Association, following standard health protocols including routine vaccinations and herd screenings for common parasites.

Their pasture-based approach emphasizes rotational grazing on nutrient-rich grasses and regular handling to ensure calm temperaments and optimal wool quality. Lambs are born on-site each spring in a well-ventilated barn near the main farmhouse and introduced to pasture by two weeks of age, fostering resilience and early handling. The flock rotates across five fenced paddocks to mimic natural foraging and safeguard plant diversity.

Breeding selections focus on wool density and docility suited to the region’s seasons. Visitors commend the sheep’s steady disposition and consistent fleece texture. Their fine, lustrous wool has been used by local artisans for handspun yarn.