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By Crystal Reith After serving people for 26 years, David Bau will retire on February 28.
Bau, an Agricultural Business Management Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension, has enjoyed helping people with problems and finding solutions to their questions.
“When I was in college, I always told people I was a world knowledge major and Extension has given me an opportunity to continue with his education,” said Bau, of rural Slayton. Originally from Truman, Minn., Bau spent his summers combining peas. Upon high school graduation, he earned an Agricultural Economics degree from South Dakota State University in 1984. From there, he continued his studies at SDSU and graduated with a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics.
After college, he worked for Washington State as a research analyst and then moved into an agricultural statistician role with the United States Department of Agriculture. When he returned to Minnesota, he served as an agricultural lender in a community bank for nine years. When the bank was being sold, Bau transitioned into a role with the University of Minnesota Extension. “I grew up in 4-H and FFA, and had done a lot with Extension, so when there was an opening nearby, I interviewed in Slayton and started there in January 1999,” said Bau, who began as a county agent specializing in community vitality.
Eventually, Bau moved to a county director in Murray and Nobles County for two years and then to a regional educator role with a statewide assignment in farm business management. “The purpose of the job is to help people find the information they are looking for. Whether a garden question, farm question or business question, I was able to learn along with everyone while researching their question,” said Bau. “I have learned a lot with Extension on a wide variety of topics.”
While he has enjoyed learning and working with people, he encourages new professionals to take advantage of as many opportunities as arise and then tune in on what makes one excited. “I have really enjoyed my time with Extension and living in Southwest Minnesota,” said Bau who enjoys watching birds and wildlife, hunting and fishing. “I have been able to enjoy the people, the diversity of our farming operations, open spaces, lake, Buffalo Ridge and nature.”
Bau and his wife, Sue, plan to continue living in the Slayton area as he plans to move forward gradually to determine where he can best use his time. The Baus have been married for 40 years and Sue recently retired from her science teacher position at Murray County Central. The couple have three adult children. Brian teaches high school social studies in Worthington. Mark, a physical therapist, is married to Danielle. They reside in Sioux Falls with the Baus’ first grandchild. Heidi, is a doctor in residency in New Hampshire. She is married to Matthew Kuznia and they are expecting their first child in April.
