Melinda and Mark Spinler. Photo provided

From the Cook County Extension Office - August 27, 2025

The Spinler family of Grand Marais has been named Cook County’s “2025 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.

Melinda and Mark Spinler have spent over 40 years building their homestead nestled east of town in the forest. 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. Managing life in the Northwoods has not always been easy, since protecting livestock from predators and developing usable soil takes ongoing effort, but they have found creative ways to make it work. 

Today, they manage a twelve-acre sugarbush where they harvest, process and sell maple syrup. They grow a variety of non-certified organic vegetables and raise free-range meat chickens, ducks and geese for both personal use and local sales. Their products are sold on-farm, at the Grand Marais farmers market and to restaurants and co-ops in the area.

The farm is a full-time effort between the two of them. Mark brings in a strong knowledge from five generations of Minnesota farming, along with a building and engineering skillset. Melinda focuses on crop production and community outreach. 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.

Honored families are chosen, one per county, by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture. The full list of recognized families is available at: extension.umn.edu/farm-families.

“These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota's economy and the vitality of Minnesota's rural communities,” said Bev Durgan, dean of the University of Minnesota Extension. “The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these farm families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities.” 

The family will be recognized with the Farm Family of the Year award at an upcoming Harvest Celebration and Local Food Potluck organized by the Northwoods Food Project. This community event will take place on Friday, October 3rd, from 5-7:30 pm at the Cook County Community Center. Everyone is welcome and invited to bring a dish to share featuring a local ingredient. This event will offer ample time for connecting with other local food lovers over potluck dishes and fresh pressed apple cider. The event will include a program honoring the Spinlers and a chance to learn about the new Food Equipment Library offered by the Northwoods Food Project.