Sarah Waddle
Cook County Extension Educator
swaddle@umn.edu
Grand Marais, MN. (1/16/2026)— Cook County University of Minnesota Extension will host its annual winter meetup for North Shore farmers and agricultural producers on February 27. This full-day event provides local growers with practical strategies for the upcoming season and a space to build community connections.
The gathering will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cook County Higher Education Building in Grand Marais. Registration is required and is offered on a sliding scale to ensure the event is accessible to everyone. Interested participants can register at z.umn.edu/farmermeet.
The morning session features a hands-on workshop led by Integrated Pest Management Extension Educator Marissa Schuh. This session will cover essential tools and tactics for vegetable farmers when dealing with weeds, insects, and diseases. Producers who attend will leave ready to go into the 2026 growing season with strategies to manage weeds effectively, knowledge of when bugs are worth dealing with, and what tools can help get it all done.
During a provided lunch, attendees will network and propose discussion topics for afternoon breakout sessions. These peer-learning circles offer a casual environment for farmers to share specific challenges and successes. The afternoon also includes a resource fair featuring local farmer groups and service agencies, concluding with a seed swap. Participants are encouraged to bring interesting seeds to share or recommendations for varieties that thrive in the local climate.
The meet-up is designed for operators of small farms and agricultural businesses at any stage of development. “This annual event is a favorite for our local agricultural community,” said Sarah Waddle, Extension Educator. “By sharing practical information and building professional relationships, farmers are better equipped to meet their individual goals and strengthen our regional food system.”
This year’s meet-up is cosponsored by Cook County Extension, Northwoods Food Project, Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
For more information or to register, visit z.umn.edu/farmermeet.
