Back in 2022, the “Rusty Goat Coastal Farm and Retreat” was born. Ronnie and Cindy McBrayer’s goal for this property was two-fold. One, to create a retreat setting where short-stay, no-obligation vacations, sabbaticals, and retreats could be offered to individuals and families, with priority given those who would not be able to afford such a retreat otherwise. And second, to establish a working farm following a “giving garden model,” where fruits, vegetables, and produce are grown and provided to food banks and families without access to fresh, healthy food – at NO cost.

In 2025, the first goal was accomplished. The existing farm house was completely renovated including a gutting and rebuilding of the interior, the addition of a new dining room, and the installation of a new well, roof, and patio. In 2025, the Rusty Goat was occupied for more than seven months by those in need of respite. Now, the second goal of the property is clearly in view. Autumn of 2026, will see The Rusty Goat’s inaugural harvest, providing the first crops to needy families. In the years to come, the farm will produce 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of fresh, donated produce every year. This is a unique and needed program, unlike anything in Northwest Florida.

Assisting in launching this wonderful news, Broker Amin Delawalla and his Christie’s International Real Estate Group here on Florida’s Emerald Coast, has chosen the Rusty Goat as his summer charity project! We could not be more pleased. Thank you to Amin and his staff for helping “Phase 2” of the Rusty Goat become a reality. Below are some of the funding goals going forward, and we hope you can join us by giving (and in the fall) and volunteering.

• Employment of two part-time employees to administer the farm program (or one full-time equivalent) – $60,000
• New outer fencing to control deer and wild hog incursions – $15,000
• The building and installation of raised growing beds for smaller, more tender crops – $10,000
• A new irrigation well for the field crops and the soon-to-be planted orchard of blueberries and peaches – $8,500
• Additional tractor implements for the planting and cultivating season – $3,500
• The purchase of an on-site All Terrain or Utility Vehicle – $10,000
• Barn upgrades to protect equipment, seeds, and supplies – $12,000
• The implementation of a volunteer program and database – $2,000
• Seed, organic fertilizer, and “first harvest” supplies – $5,000

TOTAL: $125,000

ReNew of Northwest Florida – founded in 2017 by long-time Walton County, Florida residents Ronnie and Cindy McBrayer – was first organized to meet the physical needs of those impacted by that year’s historic hurricane season. While still serving in this capacity, ReNew also focuses on emotional and spiritual aid as well. Renew has established a long-term project: A retreat center and working farm called “The Rusty Goat.” ReNew of Northwest Florida is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service (EIN: 82-2916148), and A Registered Entity with the Florida Department of State (N17000009758).

ReNew of Northwest Florida creates opportunities and nurtures environments where people and communities can deepen their inner capacity to love and serve, resulting in a more caring, peaceful, and hopeful world. Visit us at http://www.ronniemcbrayer.org/renew/ or by mail at:16400 Highway 331 South, Suite B, Box 275, Freeport, Florida, 32439