Penn State Cooperative Extension

in Crawford County Awards Granger Susan Tau
2007 Ag Hall of Fame Award
 

Susan has resided at Thomas' Corners, Saegertown, attending Sand Bank one room school, Cussewago Elementary and graduating from Cambridge Springs High School. She is the oldest of six children of Ralph and Margaret Tau. Following graduation she worked for several insurance companies and began at Cooperative Extension part-time in 1976 while working at an insurance company. She became a full time employee in 1979.
Susan's career started as a secretary that understood agriculture that enabled her to assist with all types of newsletters. As the staff changed she found herself in a support role because of her deep understanding of the 4-H livestock and dairy program. She understands the importance of good communications, and organization when managing large 4-H programs. She has watched and contributed greatly to the growth of both the livestock and dairy 4-H programs. Susan's work and understanding of these programs is vital to their growth and continuance.

While maybe best known for her role in Extension, Susan has several leadership roles in agriculture at the local, state, and national level. To mention a few:

• Member of Junior Grange for ten years and 42 years as a Hayfield Grange member where she served as Master, Secretary and Lecturer among many other offices and chairman of committees.
• A member of Crawford County Pomona Grange for 42 years, serving as the Pomona Secretary for 25 years, and is presently serving as Master as well as holding other offices and chairmanships.
• Member of the PA State Grange for 42 years serving on three State Committees prior to serving as the State Lecturer for six years. Received the PA State Granger of the Year Award in 2005.
• Member of the National Grange and recently appointed to the National Program Advisory Committee.
• Crawford County Fairground Building Association Director and Secretary.
• Crawford County Farm Council Secretary for several years.
• Ag Hall of Fame and Ag Industry selection Committee since 1998.

Other community organizations that she previously was associated with are the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days and hoagie sales; the Meadville Area Community Ambassador Program's secretary; and has served as the Recording Financial Secretary of the Hickernell United Methodist Church for a number of years of which she is a member and serves on the Administrative Council.

Susan has had a strong presence within the ag community. She is always interested, involved and supportive of rural issues and the developments of rural youth. She is an advocate of farm organizations, and has worked hard over the years to keep farm organizations working together.

She knows the ag community, she knows the leaders, both adult and youth, and she works in an unselfish manner to keep all groups focused on the important agricultural issues. Susan is so much more than a worker at the Extension office. She is a dear friend to all the staff, always supportive. She is a dedicated extremely hard-working employee that is always willing to help out the agricultural community.
(taken from the Annual Meeting & Banquet Program)