Today we’d like to introduce you to Lois Pajari.
Hi Lois, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on a beef farm outside of Cook MN. There was no way… now how I was going to farm. Funny how the universe has its own plan.
I am truly honored to live on the farm my great grandparents homesteaded in 1900. (About a mile the farm I grew up on!)
On June 19, 2013 the store I owned (Cook Dollar Barn) and the building that housed it (River Street Rentals) was destroyed by fire. Just like that, I lost everything.
For years I had considered opening the farm to the public. I have been adopting and rescuing misfit animals forever and dreamed of someday making a living off the farm. As it turns out I really believe in the animal human connection. The power of the outdoors.
After the fire, after the shock, the grief, the heartbreak it dawned on me that this could be the very opportunity I never thought possible.
So began “Cook’s Country Connection”…
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ooof. We have survived a polar vortex, epic drought and last June a flood And that’s just the weather!!! Not to mention a global health pandemic and the economic rollercoaster we’ve all endured.
The learning curve of managing the business – sales tax, insurance, marketing, advertising (and its dozen online platforms) billing, accounting, peopling….
Managing the welfare of multiple species of animals can still be a challenge. Maintaining a program of veterinary care, USDA licensing, enrichment, breeding schedules, dietary needs, vaccinations, anti parasitic protocols
Regulation after regulation after regulation
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What do I do….. well … we (the farm collective) do? Might be easier to find something we don’t do!
We are open to the public – weekends beginning of May to the end of October
Farm store – all kinds of amazing farm goodies. Yarn, roving and batting from our animals! Fresh eggs, local artisan treasures, and sooo much more!
Mobile Zoo – we take the show on the road. North to International Falls… South to Duluth … and all points in between!
Field trips – groups of ALL ages. Preschool to College to assisted living and nursing homes
Day Camp at the Farm!! – kiddos get to experience life on the farm. Farm chores. Outdoor exploration. Social emotional learning farm style!!
Farm Yoga – June July and August
Happy Hour on the Farm – June July August and September
Live Music on the farm – June July and August
Barn to Yarn – what happens to all that fluff???
Ladies Night – all kinds of home businesses and area artisans
Camping via HipCamp – “Camping with the Critters”. Glamping ?? You bet!
Weddings… yup
Birthday Parties – for sure!!
Family reunions- yes
Class Reunions – of course!!
Rent – A – Llama?? Why not??
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
We operate on nearly all volunteers!
We have volunteers of all ages!! We have gardeners, groomers, vet techs, poop scoopers and more!!!
We have a mentorship program that connects our farm helpers with newer volunteers.
Our student helpers learn the skills they need in the real world – customer service, managing tasks, animal husbandry and in some cases how to even assist in the birthing process!
Pricing:
- $8 per person general admission (plus tax)
- $7 per person group rate for 15 or more visitors
- $100/ hour Mobile Zoo (including travel time, set up and tear down)
Contact Info:
- Website: CooksCountryConnection.com
- Instagram: CooksCountryConnection
- Facebook: Cook’s Country Connection
- Yelp: Cook’s Country Connection
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