Fetter, Jennifer, jenn.fetter@psu.edu; Tomlinson, Jacob, jft5117@psu.edu; Canfield, Chris, cxc550@psu.edu; Christ, Genevieve, genevieve@psu.edu; Trouba, Erin, ect5075@psu.edu; Flowers, Dana, def18@psu.edu; Hinrichs, Elaine, eqh100@psu.edu Kunsman, Brad, bjk21@psu.edu; Maus, Ben, brm5444@psu.edu; Bussard. Jesse,jessebussard@psu.edu; Egan, Elizabeth, The Center for Ag Conservation Assistance Training, Penn State Extension, 336 Shortlidge Rd, University Park, PA 16802, eae126@psu.edu.
The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) in Penn State Extension was formed in January 2023 with the mission to help farmers, agricultural landowners, and conservation professionals implement best management practices (BMPs), ensure the health of land and water in our communities, and leverage funding and partnerships. The vision for the Center began to take form in 2016 when a group of partners convened at a conference called “PA in the Balance,” in which they discussed barriers and innovative solutions for promoting both environmental goals and profitable agriculture in Pennsylvania. A major barrier that surfaced repeatedly was the lack of technical assistance available to implement agricultural BMP projects. Through legislative action of state funding called the 2022 Clean Streams Fund, the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) formed and allowed for a portion of its funds to be delegated to Penn State to create the Center.
To accomplish its mission, the Center provides professional development opportunities for ag conservation professionals, additional coursework and on-farm training experiences for undergraduate students, and technical assistance for ag conservation. The Center has provided outreach to counties in the form of both office and field visits to assist conservation professionals in coordinating ACAP projects. The Center has worked with partners to develop and offer trainings across the Commonwealth. In June 2024, the Center hosted its first annual Ag Conservation Convention, focusing on strengthening connections with farmers and agricultural producers, building conservation skills, and improving knowledge of resource concerns and best management practices to mitigate them. The monthly newsletter “Conservation Currents” has a higher than industry average open rate for electronic newsletters. The Center aims to grow its impact and be a part of the solution to achieving water quality goals and profitable Pennsylvania agriculture.
Agricultural conservation, Applied work