Woolen Mill Works With Small Flock Owners

Woolen Mill Works With Small Flock Owners AG WORLD The Mariposa Woolen Mill in Oakwood Ontario provides area producers with an opportunity to profit from small flocks of sheep     “Our main focus is processing wool from our own sheep but we work with other producers as well ” says Ellen Edney who operates the business with her husband Dave The couple raises mostly Lincoln Longwool and Shropshire sheep     Like her mother who started a goat cheese plant in 1985 so she could be home on the farm while raising her children Edney says the woolen mill is her way of working while raising her four children The Edneys transformed the farm’s former goat milking parlor and kid nursery into milling space and a museum that is open to self-guided tours by appointment Visitors learn the steps for processing wool just as Edney learned when she purchased their Belfast mini mill     The Edneys also sell small flocks of heritage breeds to area producers to help them get started as part of their focus to preserve heritage flocks     She prefers wool from sheep raised outdoors because sheep raised inside have dirtier wool which often requires an acid wash She uses light detergent which is more sustainable     “We’re pretty community minded We’re trying to source wool within the community and work with producers to make sure clips are clean to produce the best product ” she says     She also uses the wool roving for kits to make felted pictures clothing items and beginner knitting kits       Most orders are done through the website and an on-farm shop is open from 10 a m to 6 p m Monday-Saturday The shop also carries goat and sheep cheeses     Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Mariposa Woolen Mill 1275 Hwy 7 Oakwood Ont K0M 2M0 Canada ph 705 928-5670; www mariposawoolenmill ca; info@mariposawoolenmill ca

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