A passion for agriculture

This story appeared in the spring 2026 edition of Roots magazine, a collaborative agriculture publication by the Sandusky Register, Norwalk Reflector, Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune, Findlay Courier and Fostoria Review-Times. Ohio is known for many aspects, but is widely recognized as a state for its extensive farmland. According to the most recent Ohio Census of Agriculture, there are a total of 76,009 farms in Ohio, and 13.7 million acres of farmland. Few know the importance and impact of agriculture better than Pressley Buurma, Seneca County's Ohio State University Extension agriculture and natural resources educator. Buurma shared how her life has always been shaped by agriculture. Her passion for the field began with 4-H, FFA, and helped with raising livestock at home, leading her to earn a bachelor's degree in animal science with a minor in farm business management. "Being a voice for our community and providing education for those who help feed our world is truly a great honor and something I am very excited to be a part of," Buurma said. 'I love this job' Buurma's specialties include vegetable production, livestock production, home horticulture and farm business and management. After graduating in 2022, Buurma had to make a decision to go to grad school or join the workforce. Soon after, her mother encouraged her to apply for her current position. "I am so grateful I was able to stay close to home, doing work that I love and still continue my education with The Ohio State University," Buurma said. In her current role, Buurma provides education on various agriculture and natural resource topics to all demographics. Buurma's research aspects in Seneca County include soil health studies, soybean cyst nematode studies, integrated pest management, urban agriculture, farm market prices and products, vegetable variety trials and agronomic weeds. Additionally, further job responsibilities include providing Farm Business Analysis to area farmers, providing certification programs such as Pesticide Applicator Recertification, Fertilizer Applicator Recertification, Livestock Mortality Composting, Beef Quality Assurance and Swine Quality Assurance, and host programs related to water quality and nutrient management. "I don't think I could love my job anymore. Seneca County is such an amazing county to work in, the farmers, community members and everyone else I have worked with are one of the many reasons why I love this job," Buurma said. 'Will always feel' passion for agriculture Buurma is also the county coordinator of the Seneca County Master Gardener association which provides extensive workshops and trainings to those who are interested in home horticulture here in Seneca County. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Buurma helps operate her family's dairy, specializing in goat milk production and show qualitystock. Buurma remains a steadfast advocate for the agriculture industry, sharing that to her agriculture is everything. She noted that agriculture is the essential starting point for food and clothing. "My passion for agriculture is something I have always and will always feel. Agriculture is a silent driving force that many overlook and take for granted. I have always used my voice and platforms to advocate for agriculture and the more I do, the more passionate I become," Buurma said.