Meet producer member LeVerne Tucker of The Last Dance Ranch
The Last Dance Ranch is a small farm located in the heart of Manitoba’s Interlake, just north of Teulon, and west of the beaches of Lake Winnipeg. The landmark hip-roof barn was once the site of local barn dances, and now provides shelter for a flock of Icelandic sheep, two handsome quarter horses, some heritage hens, and Marigold, the donkey.
How did you get started?
2024 is the 10 year anniversary of this farm, and the split decision I made at the end of a relationship to purchase a smaller, 7 acre property and farm by myself in order to continue to provide a home for my animals and have the lifestyle that I had come to enjoy after spending the majority of my life in the city.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
Farming is a continual exercise in optimism - successes and failures are determined by attention to detail, insight, and the determination to always do better next season. My perseverance and patience have certainly grown over the past decade!
Why the fibreshed?
The Pembina Fibreshed is community that connects farmers, processors, and consumers, and actively provides an awareness of how to improve our “fibre footprint,” and step away from the production/consumption mode of fast fashion. I treasure the connections with my clients who value having “met” the sheep who grew the wool for their garment, or appreciate a locally woven item.
What do you raise/what do you sell/where do you sell?
I raise Icelandic sheep, as well as a few Icelandic/Arcott crosses that have come to the farm as lambs needing a soft place to land. Presently their wool is sold in roving, batts, and handspun yarn. A light lopi processed by Longway Homestead will be available in mid-summer. I create woven textiles on a vintage 4 shaft Leclerc loom using yarn from my flock, as well as cotton, silk, and other natural fibres to produce a collection of home goods, décor, and accessories.
Where to find me:
This anniversary year will mark the opening of the farm studio for events and classes. There are four looms available for weaving lessons, as well as other textile workshops. After a brief hiatus from the Wave Artist’s Tour the farm studio will again be open both Wave weekends, June and September. I am looking forward to offering demonstrations again this year at the cultural pavilion of the Icelandic Festival in Gimli in August, and hope to hold a fibre pop-up at the farm in mid-summer. In September you’ll find me at the Fibre Festival, and as always throughout the year at St. Norbert Farmer’s Market where I have been a co-op member since 1997.
You can find LeVerne and her products here:
Instagram: @thelastdanceranch
Website: https://lastdanceranch.square.site/
