Grand Marais, Minn. (7/8/2024) —The DeArruda Wharton family of Grand Marais has been named Cook County’s “2024 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.
Good Nature Farm is an off-grid family farm located outside of Grand Marais. The farm began to take shape in 2003, when Nick Wharton and Kristin DeArruda started a family and a homestead, beginning with small family and market gardens and growing over time to include wholesale, market and a CSA. With a priority on ecological and organic agricultural principles, caring for the land, and feeding the local community, the farm has grown and changed over the years.
Currently, the operation produces mixed vegetables, garlic, potatoes and apples for sale at the local farmers market, Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, the school and a local restaurant.
Nick and Kristin are expanding the perennial fruit plantings and garlic. They use reduced tillage practices, cover crops and organic management practices throughout the farm, focusing on soil and ecosystem health. They raise chickens and turkeys for meat and eggs, some for sale, some for the family. They have one small tractor but do much of the work with hand tools. The farm is entirely off-grid with solar panels and a small wind generator producing electricity.
Nick is the primary farmer and does the planning and day-to-day work of the farm. Kristin is the farm’s co-owner, handles seasonal labor, and gives advice and planning input. Nick and Kristin’s oldest child, Henry, is out of the house but used to help with packing and delivery, and firewood. MJ, the middle child, helps with harvest, packing and market stand operation, and garden/ homestead labor. Eli, the youngest child, helps with harvest, packing, and marketing, and provides garden/homestead labor.
Nick is a board member for the Northwoods Food Project, a local organization focusing on the local food system in Cook County. Nick and Kristin are members of the Lake Superior Farming Association. Kristin promotes healthy living initiatives as a health care provider at the local clinic and helped start the local farmers market. MJ is involved in a student-led environmental group and Eli endeavors to make as many things from found materials as possible.
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.
“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 the Grand Marais Farmers Market on Thursday August 1st. The market is open from 4:30-6 pm, and the recognition of the family will take place around 5 pm. The market is in the parking lot of the Cook County Community Center at 317 W 5th St in Grand Marais.
