Russ is the driving force behind the company, keeping the staff in line and marching to the same beat. Russ’ new found hobby is cruising the internet, where he will search the web for hours each night.

Russ is also deeply involved in planning new weekend projects for around the farm. They have just finished the building of their new barn. Check out the barn and e-mail any comments to Russ at meerdink@meerdink.com. Feel free to grade his work.

If you look really close at the pictures, you may catch a glimpse of Jan's Anniversary gift to Russ. They decided to make the farm look like the real thing with the new addition of a few Banty chickens. Martha Stewart would approve - they're getting green eggs!  Keep watch for photos of the new family members to be added shortly.

When men reach 50 or so, rumor has it that the go through a mid-life crisis. Many buy fast cars, boats, planes and other youthful toys. Russ chose a 1953 Ford 8N Jubilee tractor, which has turned into his pride and joy. His favorite hobbies now include digging fence post holes, moving dirt, plowing the snow from the driveway, and fixing the tractor. (Russ believes tractor repairs are one of the benefits of ownership.) If you have any experience with Ford 8N tractors, and would like to give some advice when it doesn’t start, please e-mail Russ.