Rampart Farm & Wool Mill is a small, family owned, mixed farm & wool processing plant in Branchton, ON. Located just south of Hwy 8 between Cambridge & Hamilton, the processing plant is a  source for quality wool products in the area. Alongside growing and processing fibre to sell to others, Lidija hand spins and knits sweaters, gloves, blankets and more. It is hard not to be taken aback by the years of experience she displays through her incredible craftsmanship.

Starting at the beginning, how did you end up in Branchton, Ontario? 

Moving to a farm in Branchton was gradual. After living and working in Toronto for twelve years I was ready to move to smaller town like Cambridge but eventually even this town became to busy. When we came across this piece of land in Branchton, we instantly realized that it was a place where all our dreams could come true.

Where does your passion for farming come from?

Ever since I was a child… as long as I can remember my favourite place was my grandparents farm back in Slovenia. So when we bought this land I naturally tried to recreate some of my childhood memories. Knitting and crafts were always big part of my life. So raising  sheep and processing wool fit right in.

What does an average day on the farm look like for you?

My days are filled with my favourite things… like taking care of animals, processing fleeces (skirting, washing, carding), hand spinning into yarn – ultimately knitting the yarn into a final product. It gives me great pleasure and sense of accomplishment when I finish a project like an Aran sweater, scarf, hat, mittens, blanket etc. and I am able to say that it was truly made at my farm by myself and I can even show the sheep that produced the wool.

As a fibre farmer and processor, what are some of the obstacles you face?

The biggest challenge for me at this stage of my life and my business is lack of my computer skills. I am not able to make myself known to the public to show them what I have to offer.

Can you tell me about a few of the projects you are working on at the moment?

At this time I am spinning yarn for an Aran sweater, finishing a vest, and of course processing fleeces into rovings for my clients at the mill. We also  just started to build a small cottage like store where all my products will be available. I hope the opening will be late summer or fall.

What can people do to help support this industry?