Happy to report the racoon has not been back. We’ve had fresh snow each morning, allowing me to be able to see if there are tracks. Right now I only lock the barn up at night, cats inside, no food. They have in/out access and food in daytime.
I did give the cats canned food twice a day in the barn, but I always picked up the dishes and brought them inside the house, even prior to racoon visit. I never leave any garbage or other food in the barn except for I did have some dry cat food out. It was well inside the barn, not easily accessible and up on a high table or bench.
The neighboring farm I referenced is not really that close, they would have to cross a busy road, creek, and go through some residential yards that have dogs. Often they get hit by cars before making it across the road, so I think they learn to avoid going my way. If they head the other direction there are plenty of better options - a housing development with dumpsters, several businesses with dumpsters including food services, etc. No one lives at the farm and the workers do leave garbage/fast food wrappers/etc in containers that are not well secured, both of which I think contributes to their problem. Also I think that my dogs had helped keep them at bay just from the smell - the dogs never went outside without me so it’s not like they had any firsthand interactions. When I moved in there were many skunks around, but since getting dogs, they have been almost non-existent too. The feral cats usually only show up when the population over there starts getting out of control, or if it’s a wandering tom marking his territory or looking for a mate. (everyone here is fixed and vetted, sorry tom)
I really think the racoon ended up here due to the storm (6-10" snow that night with bitter cold winds and drifts of snow that I had a hard time walking through). I think they were moving through but had tangled with the donkey, it was separated from its friend, and curled up near the barn for the night. There are a couple places that could have worked as a shelter for it.
I don’t really know but for whatever reason, I have not had a racoon or skunk problem prior to this and will be more careful so that it stays that way. Will look into getting a radio for the barn too.
Thank you again for all the suggestions and experiences.