Editor’s note: The Fayette Advertiser / Democrat-Leader is sponsoring a series of articles on local food production and consumption, an idea raised at a recent Focus on Fayette meeting. The following features Paul Lehmann’s farm south of Fayette.

* * * * * * * *

By Kim Thompson
Staff Writer

Paul Lehmann has had an interest in healthful living for as long as he can remember. “I can remember my mother warning against the dangers of cigarettes. This was long before the harmful effects of cigarette smoking became better known.”

Paul’s parents grew a garden, in which Paul helped, and he has continued to grow a garden most of his adult life.

His attendance and graduation from Eden Seminary in St. Louis furthered his interest in living in a way that rejuvenates the environment while also growing one’s food.

In 2009, Paul tried his hand at a larger scale of organic farming. He grew several acres of black turtle beans. He and volunteers harvested bean pods by hand, beat the beans out of the pods and winnowed the mix by slowly pouring the beans and stem pieces from a raised bucket into a bucket on the ground. The wind would blow away the chaff while the beans would drop into the bucket.

Recently Paul has expanded his organic farming operation to include wheat, barley and rye. He has planted organically-certified wheat, barley and rye seed on his farm. The crops will be harvested in the summer. While most of the product will be sold to wholesale dealers, Paul is happy to sell to individuals.

A common kitchen blender with steel blades will grind the grain into flour.

An ordained minister, Paul’s organic farming is an outcome of his philosophy of a fulfilled life.

“The concept—sustainable living—has been popular among people seeking to return to a simpler, happier, more natural, wholesome and peaceful way of living,” Paul said. “I find comfort and fulfillment in sharing what I have learned, what I know, and what I have been given to spread the reality of this great concept to all who seek fulfillment in life.” To buy black turtle beans now or to buy grain in the summer, call Lehmann at 248-1134.