2010 Northeast Region: Sue Roohr

Farms: Vegetables, Fruit, Raises Game Birds and Cattle
Cookstown, NJ

"I am not at all surprised that Charlie nominated me because that’s the kind of a loving son he is. I’m not used to being in the limelight, but I am very happy to be chosen as Farm Mom of the Year for the Northeast. Agriculture means everything to me. It’s been in my blood since I was a child. I raised my children that way, and now my daughter is also looking for homes nearby and tells me she wants to raise her family the same way she was raised." — Sue Roohr

Susan Roohr [Sue] is the mother of 4. Married 35 years, she and her husband own Cranberry Hall Farm in central NJ. The farm produces vegetables, game birds, and grain on 200+ acres. The farm is their full-time occupation and with three sons who help part-time it is truly a family affair. Always an equal partner in the day-to-day work of the farm, her days may include tending to the 10,000 game bird chicks, field prep, planting, picking, packing, prepping for delivery and managing the five seasonal farm stands that sell the produce and a weekly delivery to a New York City food pantry. In addition to plain old work, Sue tends to all the traditional "mom" needs of the family. Her most valuable contribution may be her eternal optimism that keeps the family together and the farm going even in the worst moments. Once a week Sue tends to her elderly mother and has never turned down a request for babysitting duty for her grandson. In her community, Sue helps organize family-oriented community events for the holidays at township buildings. She’s the secretary of the local Republican club and volunteers at county headquarters during election season. In addition, Sue volunteers her time to help educate urban residents on how food is produced and how farms operate. City residents are brought to the farm to see and understand first-hand how the farm operates. Sue is a breast cancer survivor since 2004 and, aside from few days of heavy treatment, has never let that keep her from her farm duties or from making sure her family was taken care of. A strong woman with a huge heart and strong character, she’s been my mom-of-the-year for 32 years running! (nominated by Charles Roohr)