🇺🇸 Swapped America for 120 Sheep in the Rural Russia 🐑

They say, "Oh, Russia... They're at war."
I said, "So?"
Ron Monson, an American with extensive farming experience, moved to Russia with his wife Judy and their two teenage children at a time when it seemed like going to Russia was not worth it! But it turned out to be quite the opposite!

Ron is originally from Minnesota, but his wife is from the Philippines. Together, they ran a large farm in America for 15 years (with cows and sheep), then moved to the Philippines to engage in agriculture. However, after five years, Ron realized that there were no opportunities for their children there. That's how the idea of moving to Russia came about.

The Monsons traveled to many regions to find their place to live: Ivanovo Oblast (the central part of Russia). They are probably the only native English speakers in the area. The family currently rents 1,200 hectares of land and has 120 sheep.

Regarding Russians, Ron says: "They don't smile. You got to poke them in the ribs before you either get hit or smile. One of the two." But if they do smile, believe me, it means they like you.
What pleasantly surprised the Monsons in Russia was the quality of the products, fruits, and vegetables. They are also happy about the Russian weather; yes, it turns out that snow is not a problem for a Filipina, but a joy.
The family talks about the weather, Russian people, food, and the language barrier on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NewHorizonsRU. Make sure to check it out and subscribe! And they also have a Telegram channel: https://t.me/NewHorizonsRU

The head of the family, Ron, teaches his children that wherever they go and whatever they do, they should leave things a little bit better than they were before. This is especially relevant for their lives in Russia. Next year, the Monsons plan to build a house and make their homestead even more successful. They are determined: "We want to be lifelong farmers in Russia."

00:00 Амерicano-Filipino farmers in rural Russia
02:00 The real Russian road
03:35 English-speaking sheep in Russia
04:40 Extensive farming experience in America
07:43 Moving to the Philippines
08:38 So why Russia in the end?
09:59 Specifics of working with sheep
13:47 Russians don't smile
15:45 Monument to John Lenin
17:12 Safety in America, the Philippines, and Russia
18:36 Russian cuisine: tvorog, solyanka, sweetened condensed milk
22:09 Family's reaction to moving to Russia
22:41 What surprised us in Russia
24:18 Differences between Russia and America
25:05 What's in a Russian grocery store?
29:21 What about your Russian language skills?
31:22 Where's the money for living in Russia coming from?
33:11 A farmer's everyday life
35:27 A neighbor gave the Monsons a house
37:27 "Our goal is for the farm to prosper!"