Michael Ruff’s farm in Chippewa County has a rich history that dates back to 1850 when his great-great-great-grandfather immigrated from Germany to Milwaukee with his family of seven. Two of their children served in the Civil War, and in 1866, the family moved to Chippewa County, where they engaged in logging and farming before purchasing the farm in 1874. Michael, the fifth generation, still lives on the original farmstead, which began with a small house and barn. Over the years, the farmstead evolved, with new houses built in the early 1900s and 1948. Michael, now focused on cash cropping corn and soybeans, maintains the historic dairy barn, grain bins, machine storage, and a shop. He also creates corn mazes to keep the farm vibrant for future generations. With two sons and five grandchildren, Michael's fondest memories are of the large family gatherings on the farm where he grew up as one of nine children.