The Blue Ridge Mountains and their beckoning climate were calling Sonya Lehmann and her husband, Dennis, from their Alabama farm five years or so ago.
They settled-in here, about 10 minutes down the road from the Highlands Farmer’s Market, making them North Carolina mountaintop farmers.
They loved it right from the get-go, and they never looked back, These new residents on the Plateau are thrilled.
In our interview, the first thing Sonya said was, “When we lived in Alabama we used to farm mainly hogs. I love raising hogs. They are so cute when little. I love how large they get. I have a pet pig. Her name is Sally Mae, and she is 450 pounds.”
That had me at oink. I love pigs, too. And the fact that Sally Mae is quite friendly and would make me look smallish, I am tickled pig pink.
Sonya knows how to communicate with animals. In fact, her whole family respects animals and cares for them whether they are pets or nourishment for those who are fond of pork chops, sausage, and steaks.
When farmers are kind, humane, respectful of all God’s creatures, as the Lehmanns are, respect is returned tenfold. And don’t worry. Sally Mae will never be dinner.
When their livestock are prepared and delivered to one of the green markets, the chops and steaks are gone in one or two days. The quality and taste is “out of this world” say their faithful clientele.
Nothing from Sonya’s delivery sits long on their market table – not just the meat, but homemade cookies, and scrumptious sourdough bread slices, ready for sandwiches. If you like baked goods, place an order on Tuesday and Sonya will deliver on the following Saturday at Highlands Farmers Market.
If you want to meet the Lehmanns and their scrumptious foods, here are your options:
Locally Grown on the Green (at the Village Green in Cashiers), every Wednesday, starting May 6, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Highlands Farmers Market (at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park) on Saturdays, 8:00 A.M. to Noon, starting April 4.
If you’d like to know more about the Lehmanns or make a visit to their rare, extraordinary cantilever barn, call (334) 707-7711, or email olerusticbarn@gmail.com.
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