The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training
Extension Education
Chris Canfield
Extension Educator
Penn State University
Lewisburg
Abstract
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 practices, 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," where 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 best management practice (BMP) projects for any available funding programs. Through legislative action as a dedicated line of state funding called the 2022 Clean Streams Fund, the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) formed and allowed a portion of its funds to be delegated to Penn State to create the Center. To accomplish its mission, the Center will provide professional development opportunities for existing conservation professionals, additional coursework and on-farm training experiences for undergraduate students, and technical assistance for ag conservation and ag outreach.
As of January 2025, the Center has provided outreach to 57 counties through office and field visits to assist conservation professionals in coordinating ACAP projects. The Center has worked with the PA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) to plan and run an NRCS Boot Camp Basic Training for new conservation professionals 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 environmental goals and profitable Pennsylvania agriculture.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. If NOT selected as a State winner, it will not be displayed at the AM/PIC and the abstract will not be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Chris Canfield, Erin Trouba
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Canfield, C. Extension Educator, Penn State University, Pennsylvania, 17837
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Trouba, E. Ms., Penn State University, Pennsylvania, 16802