Peacefield, Revisited: How a Farm Sanctuary Grows Community, Compassion, & Resilience

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Eighteen months after our first conversation, we revisit Peacefield Farm Sanctuary with founders John and Emma Hoel to explore how this Florida sanctuary has grown not just in size, but in depth and purpose. In that time, Peacefield welcomed a new baby, new rescued animals, and even a multigenerational family dynamic as John’s parents relocated to the farm. What emerges is a picture of Peacefield as a living ecosystem—one where family, animals, and community are deeply intertwined, and where retirement, caregiving, and stewardship find renewed meaning.

Located just outside Gainesville and close to the University of Florida, Peacefield thrives at the intersection of rural calm and college energy. Students regularly engage through volunteer days, yoga on the farm, and hands-on learning experiences that challenge traditional, productivity-driven views of animals. For future veterinarians especially, Peacefield offers a rare opportunity to care for animals whose value is inherent, not transactional—an experience that often leaves a lasting imprint well beyond logged service hours.

Community-centered agri-tourism is at the heart of Peacefield’s sustainability. From vegan holiday gatherings that offer belonging during otherwise isolating seasons, to an on-site Airbnb that funds animal care while honoring the sanctuary’s values, everything is intentionally small-scale and mission-aligned. Their intimate plant-based cooking classes—hosted inside the Hoels’ home—have proven especially transformative, inspiring lifestyle shifts, deeper connection, and a sense of shared humanity in an increasingly disconnected world.

Through stories of rescue, loss, resilience, and adaptation—from elderly animals aging peacefully to donkeys learning trust, and from hurricane prep to daily problem-solving—Peacefield illustrates what compassionate agri-tourism can truly be. Rather than scaling up, the future of Peacefield lies in doing more of what already works: shared meals, meaningful education, and genuine connection. It’s a powerful reminder that a sanctuary isn’t just a refuge for animals—it’s often a sanctuary for people, too.

Peacefield Farm Sanctuary

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

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