Producer Profile: Little Waldo Farm

By: Laurie Kallinen

It was a beautiful Saturday morning when I met Jadell Cavallin of Little Waldo Farm, located just outside of Two Harbors.  The property was a neat and orderly collection of different types of gardens.  In fact, there are at least 10 different styles of garden on the farm; High-tunnel, Hügelkultur, Pollinator, Rain garden, Hay bale, Straw bale, field beds, raised beds, no-mow, and perennial gardens! 

Jadell and husband Joe Cavallin have a long history in the area, both having grown up here.  In fact their farm is in an area once known as Waldo township, where the Cavallin family homesteaded in the early 1900’s.    It was natural for the Cavallins to settle in on family land after their marriage.

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After studying Aquatic Biology in College, and striving to live a healthy lifestyle, Jadell started a small vegetable garden in 2006.  Her interest grew and so did her garden.  In 2013 the Cavallins received a subsidy to build a high-tunnel, and soon after were growing enough produce to sell at local farmers markets.

Many gardening styles are used on Little Waldo Farm

In 2014 Jadell applied to become a UMN Extension Master Gardener. Expanding her knowledge to include bee keeping and multiple styles of gardening, Jadell’s passion evolved to include not only producing healthy food for her family, and extra to sell at local farmers markets, but also passing on the knowledge and experience she has gained, to other people through classes, tours, and events.  Over the seasons at Little Waldo Farm you can find seedlings, home-canned salsa, jams, jellies, fruits and vegetables both fresh and dried for cooking, and when the bees are really happy, honey and honey comb!  Some of their products are available on their website.  Little Waldo Farm is also raising 2,800 seedlings for the forest assisted migration program.  

In addition to working the farm, Jadell does “Soft-scaping” where she helps local gardeners with custom gardening planning, assisting with garden design/re-design and maintenance, and vacation maintenance. (No one wants to come to return from vacation to wilted gardens!)  With Soft-scaping, watering her own gardens, tending the bees and their rescue rabbits, harvesting produce for farmers market days, and tending to the active needs of their 5 year old son, A.J., every day is full!
Jadell loves being part of the north shore, and local food systems.  “Everyone is doing something different, but we all learn from each other.  It’s a great community to be a part of.”  When asked if there was one thing she’d like people to be aware of, her swift reply was that people should be aware of what is native to our area.  “Keep what is native natural, and add natives to what has been altered.”  

For more information on produce, tours, and events, contact:
Little Waldo Farm
1845 Waldo Road
Two Harbors, MN  55616
Jadell Cavallin, Owner, Educator   jcavallin2@gmail.com     www.littlewaldofarm.com