20 Aug Highlands Farms Lebanon Virginia
Highlands Farms is located in the heart of Southwest Virginia just outside of Lebanon. Donald
McGlothlin, owner of Highlands Farms, began as a cattle operator in 1989. At the time, Don
was a Circuit Court Judge in Southwest Virginia so “life on the farm” wasn’t his only job. With
a lot of help and a good market, he became successful in his “part-time” job.
Several years later, in 2010, he met the love of his life, Tracy Fletcher.
Tracy Fletcher McGlothlin was a successful business owner and interior designer in Charleston
and Kiawah Island, SC. Tracy’s life changed in 2008 when her father suddenly passed away
and she came back to her home town, Grundy, VA, to help with the family business. Meeting
Don in 2010 changed her life forever. Don and Tracy were married in June 2011.
Tracy has a huge love for animals. Moving to the farm and meeting all the cows, bulls and
calves, she quickly became friends with them all. As the first season came to an end and the
calves were taken to market, Tracy quickly lost interest in being a cattle farmer. Don and Tracy
began looking for an alternative to cattle farming. With a love for organic gardening, they
decided to try their hand at growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes as a business.
In 2016 the first of Highlands Farms Organic Heirloom Tomatoes hit the market. Since 2016,
Don and Tracy have expanded the variety of organic vegetables grown on the farm. The list
includes mixed salad greens, kale, spinach, baby and fingerling potatoes, squash, zucchini,
cucumbers, apples and cherries just to name a few. In addition to fresh produce,
Highlands Farms produces Organic Tomato Sauces, Organic Tomato Soup, Coconut Squash
Bread, Lemon Squash Bread and their specialty…Highlands Farms Organic Heirloom Tomato
Pie! In 2018, Highlands Farms began producing their own Organic Heirloom Bloody Mary Mix.
This became an overnight success! It immediately sold out and became a top seller. Orders
have already been placed for the 2019 season.
With her business background, creativity and love of nature, Tracy has taken tomato farming to
another level. With a solid foundation of delicious Organic Heirloom Tomatoes, sauces, soups,
pies and breads fresh from the farm, what’s the next chapter for Highlands Farms? The sky’s
the limit!
Tracy will be hosting our “Let’s Jam Canning Series Class – Preserving Tomatoes” on August 29, 2020 (SOLD OUT). To learn more about our canning classes and to purchase tickets, please visit shop.swvaculturalcenter.com