Second Largest Herd of Cracker Cattle Being Raised at River Woods Ranch

One of my most enjoyable days recently involved hanging out with a herd of Cracker cattle at River Woods Ranch. But let me tell you the back story first.

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In April 2021, Tommi and I took a little getaway to a place called “Serenbe” outside of Atlanta, Georgia—and it was one of those vacations.

The kind where you start pulling up real estate listings before ordering dessert from their farm-to-table restaurant, The Farmhouse. We even toured a couple of condos before heading home. Ever since, we’ve talked about returning.

If you’ve never heard of Serenbe, imagine a village nestled in nature—an intentional community where wellness, art, and sustainability come together in an enchanting way. Where the neighborhood is full of fresh food and fresh air.

Think organic farms, preserved meadows, restaurants that change the menu each day based on what is ripe in the 25-acre garden, horses grazing, goat yoga classes alongside your home.

Serenbe is like living inside one of my Pinterest boards.

Fast forward to this past January: I received a call from Shai Lothan, who was referred to me by my dear friend, Sandy.

He starts sharing his vision—something he’s building that is about 45 minutes outside of Pensacola. As he’s talking, I keep thinking, Are you kidding me? Is this guy for real? A Serenbe-style village… right here, in North Florida?

That phone call launched my journey with the brilliant, forward-thinking team at River Woods Ranch—and after two separate tours of the property, I can confidently say this is shaping up to be even more extraordinary than my visit to Serenbe.

Just a quick 45-minute drive from Pensacola, Chicago-born dreamer, Shai Lothan, has been quietly and passionately working to bring his vision to life – an intentional community rooted in nature, purpose, and beauty.

And friends, it’s happening—River Woods Ranch in Jay, Florida, is coming to life.

River Woods Ranch is more than a picturesque landscape—it’s a vision for a community rooted in sustainability, connection, and the rhythms of the land.

This nature-inspired development is redefining what it means to live close to the earth while fostering deep ties between people, food, and place.

At its core, River Woods Ranch’s foundation started its journey as a haven for Cracker cattle. This ranch doesn’t just grow food, though —they are bringing it to the table.

Stage One: There is the quiet clatter of hooves and the slow, steady sway of Heritage Cracker cattle as soon as the ATV key is turned off. Mingling, scratching, and showing a curious interest in us is the second largest herd in Florida of Cracker cattle. These rare and resilient animals, first brought to Florida in the 1500s by the Spanish, are prized for their triple-purpose: meat, milk, and work. They’re survivors, built for the heat, tough enough to thrive on the wild forage of Florida’s backwoods.

Ranch Manager Chris walks the pastures daily, notebook in hand, documenting every plant these cattle nibble on—tracking their nutrition as the seasons shift, ensuring the herd is thriving, healthy, and in harmony with the land. These cattle aren’t just being raised—they’re being preserved, protected, and honored.

And now?

River Woods Cracker beef is available for you to taste the difference that kind of care makes. You can pick some up at The Farm on Mobile Highway. I bought mine yesterday and can’t wait to cook with it this weekend—farm to fork, Florida-style.

While you are The Farm, pick up a bag of River Woods Ranch coffee, roasted by local coffee roasters, Alla Prima Coffee Roasters.

Stage Two:
Over 1,000 acres stretch wide with possibility. Melinda, the Plant, Plate, and Partnerships Coordinator, is digging into a seven-acre vineyard-to-be.  The team’s goal is to produce wine and soda from the Florida soil, bursting with flavors native to this land. Shai and Melinda are already collaborating with Big Jerk Soda to create and craft a line that captures the spirit of River Woods—bold, botanical, and beautifully local.

But even before the grapevines take root, their eyes are also on what’s next.

Stage 3: On my second visit, and high on a sun-drenched hill, the team—Shai, Chris, Melinda, and Jon —walked the future site of an olive grove.

They have been running the soil through their fingers, consulting with growers, and dreaming of a harvest that will bring olives to local tables. A Mediterranean echo, grounded in Florida clay.

Stage Four: The land itself is being shaped into something inviting and wild—a network

of over 60 trails is being mapped and cleared. Winding paths for horseback rides, sunrise strolls, and quiet walks under the canopy. Trails that invite you to slow down, breathe deep, and get lost in nature’s rhythm.

River Woods Ranch isn’t just about agriculture, though. It’s about cultivating a life worth living. As the River Woods team puts it, “We’re not just raising cattle—we’re planting a future rooted in real food, local connection, and the joy of shared experiences.”

Stage Five:
And soon, it can be your future too. Late this fall, the ranch will offer 5-acre homesteads within this 1,150-acre oasis —your chance to build a home that feels like what you have been searching for.

Want to be on the early list? Email Jon Lothan at jon@ranchdevelopment.com, and he’ll make sure you get all the details as soon as they’re ready.

Have questions about the future plans of River Woods Ranch?  Also reach out to Jon at his email above.

Every fence post, every planted seed, every cleared trail at River Woods Ranch tells a story: of renewal, of reconnection, of a way forward that honors the past. The Lothan family isn’t just building a community—they’re nurturing a movement.

This is way more than a ranch.
It’s a place where land and life are beautifully and intentionally intertwined.

For more information and updates, visit their Instagram page or official website.

And I promise to continue making visits and keep you updated!

Lisa Long Lyter, Editor in Chief, Local Pulse Pensacola