brought plenty of work, more than a few adventures, and some of the best lessons our children could receive. Feeding an animal every morning, cleaning a pen when you’d rather be doing something else, or caring for something that depends entirely upon you teaches responsibility in a way that is difficult to replicate. Those experiences have taught all of us something about stewardship. And, little by little, they helped shape a larger vision. 

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With seven children ranging in age from 2 to 24, family life for us spans quite a few seasons at once. Some of our children are already finding their own paths in the world, while others are still growing up with muddy boots, open pastures, and animals just outside the door. Tumbling Trestle Farm & Ranch grew from a desire to build upon that life to create a place where generations can remain connected to one another, to the land, to animals, and to traditions worth carrying forward. Nestled in the foothills of North Georgia, Tumbling Trestle is the realization of that vision: a ranch rooted in family, stewardship, beautiful land, exceptional livestock, and an appreciation for things that have stood the test of time. 

 

For us, this is about much more than raising animals. It is about creating a place where our children can experience the responsibility that comes from caring for land and livestock. A place where generations can gather. A place where guests can slow down, reconnect with the land, and experience a way of life that has become increasingly rare. And it is about preserving something for the future. That philosophy is reflected in the livestock we have chosen to raise. Tumbling Trestle is being built around heritage breeds with remarkable histories, distinctive character, and qualities developed over generations. From Highland cattle to Southdown sheep and Kune Kune pigs, each represents a living connection between past and present. We believe those connections matter. 

 

Rusty may be the dreamer behind much of the vision for Tumbling Trestle, but bringing that vision to life is a family endeavor. Rebecca has been at the center of creating the home and family life from which it grew, while our children are not simply along for the ride but they are a large part of the reason the ranch exists in the first place. The idea of legacy means something different when you are raising seven children. We aren’t simply building a ranch for today. We are creating a place we hope will become part of our family’s story for generations and a place we can share with others along the way. 

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As Tumbling Trestle grows, our commitment is to do things thoughtfully. To leave the land healthier than we found it. To treat every animal with dignity and exceptional care. To build with an appreciation for beauty, permanence, and tradition. To welcome people with genuine hospitality and to remember that heritage is not preserved by simply looking backward. Heritage is preserved by carrying the best of the past forward. Tumbling Trestle Farm & Ranch is still at the beginning of its story. Pastures are being restored. Fences and barns are taking shape. Livestock are being carefully selected and a journey that began when our family came to North Georgia in search of a quieter way of life is becoming something much bigger. We’re excited to see where it leads and we hope you’ll follow along as our family builds it. 

 

Tumbling Trestle Farm & Ranch 
Where Heritage Lives.