Mark and Melinda Spinler named 2025 Farm Family of the Year

Each year the University of Minnesota Extension selects one “Farm Family of the Year” for each county. This year, Mark and Melinda Spinler received the honor for Cook County.

The Spinlers have been farming in Cook County east of Grand Marais for the past 40 years. They manage a 12 acre sugarbush, in addition to growing a variety of vegetables, and poultry for meat and eggs.

A press release from the UMN Extension dated Aug. 20 read, “What started as a simple effort to clear land and grow food has turned into a working farm that supports both their family and the surrounding community.”

In addition to operating their own farm business, the pair have participated in efforts to support agriculture in the area. The press release from UMN Extension mentioned their work to date, “Together, they have helped grow local agriculture through mentorship, starting farmers markets and teaching homesteading and maple syruping classes. Their work continues to strengthen food systems in Cook County.”

The Spinlers told WTIP that while it was nice to be recognized for their individual efforts in farming, the real reward is being able to share their work with the community.

“It is so exciting to have agriculture in Cook County get to this point, you know, and that it is just blossoming,” said Melinda Spinler. “And so that’s my biggest excitement, that we have finally gotten up to that level. And it’s really fun that the university can now recognize the fact that agriculture happens this far north.”

Mark Spinler commented that their food cultivation has been a group effort. He said,  “A big part of that has been people that have wanted to help us. I just want to make sure that’s recognized. That it’s not just us, but our community supporting us both in buying our produce, and people coming out to help us.”

Melinda summed up her feelings about farming in Cook County, saying, “I love feeding people, so this is one way that we feed people.”

The Spinlers will be honored at the upcoming Harvest Celebration and Local Food Potluck organized by the Northwoods Food Project. The potluck event will take place on Friday Oct. 3 from 5-7:30 p.m., and is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish featuring a local ingredient.

Kirsten Wisniewski August 27, 2025