— ABOUT US
Our Story
How one woman’s leap of faith became a 56-acre family farm.
— THE BEGINNING
A leap of faith
In 2005, Olga left her friends and home in Durham, NC with nothing but an old Ford pickup truck she named Floyd, and a dream of a simpler life. She was leaving behind a seemingly perfect life—good job, great friends, a cozy home—in search of what was missing. Something about nature and the land called her.
Against all advice, she found it in 56 acres of rolling farmland in Alamance County. A house and barns that clearly had been loved, but abandoned, and in need of much repair. She saw the potential.
Her sister's favorite story about this time is the night Olga, having arrived at this boundless land, full of empty buildings, asking herself: "What have I done? I've left everything I know, all my friends and familiar places.”
Her childhood training was such that whining wasn't an option, "Pick yourself up by those boot straps and deal with it!" Olga climbed into her pickup and drove to the back of the property. Parked in the middle of a pasture, with a glass of wine, she sat on the old Ford's tailgate, looked up at the sky, and in that moment....it all made sense.
— THE BEGINNING
Love & hard work
As it became more and more evident that she was in over her head, Olga sought the advice of John M. Elder.
John grew up in the mountains of N.C. His family farmed cattle, sheep, horses, and crops. He has wonderful memories and values the richness of his childhood, but as he reached the age to decide if farming was his future, he recalls, "it was hard work!"
No one imagined John would leave the NC mountains, especially for the Piedmont region where temperatures go over 80 degrees. John loves to say, "I'm not sure if I fell in love with a girl or a farm."
Married in 2008, together they farm, run the business, and play: "it's hard work but we love it!”
Olga loves to finish the story by saying, "I followed my heart and love found me".
What began as one woman's quest for a more intentional life grew into something far greater — a family, a community, and a craft that has endured for two decades. Today, Stoney Mountain Farm is a model of sustainable agriculture, humane animal husbandry, and cottage-industry craftsmanship.
Our Farm's Milestones
2005: Our journey begins with the purchase of our farm.
2006: The arrival of our first Navajo Churro sheep marks the start of our flock.
2007: We officially open for business and welcome the gentle Dorset breed to our farm.
2008: A year of celebration as we get married and begin selling at the Durham Farmers Market.
2009: We expand our production with community help and achieve Whole Foods' highest Eco Scale Rating.
2011: Our presence grows as we start selling at the Greensboro Curb Market.
2014: We introduce Corriedale sheep and form a cooperative to meet growing demand.
2016: We renovated our historic barn into the "Wool House" and join Target's Made in America initiative.
2024: We continue our tradition at the Durham Farmers Market, sell directly from our farm, and host exciting on-farm events.
2024: We hired a “Director of Details”
2024: We expanded our product line adding lanolin based products, additional wool household items and entered the clean beauty arena
Our Mission
Through preservation-minded, sustainable business and farming practices, Stoney Mountain Farm provides all natural, eco-friendly, 100% wool products to its customers. Moreover, Stoney Mountain Farms strives for a premium customer service experience at all times.
“They were friendly, polite, fast and honest; and a delight to deal with. We love their products and will deal with them in the future.”
