Strengthening Conservation Through Education and Partnership: Penn State Extension's Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training

The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) at Penn State Extension is a statewide initiative designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and reach of professionals supporting on-the-ground agricultural conservation. Established in 2023 in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission and supported by the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), the Center is critical in preparing a capable, conservation-focused workforce.

As natural resource Extension professionals, ANREP members are often involved in technical assistance, ag literacy programming, conservation planning, and funding navigation. CACAT offers tools, training, and resources that align with and support these roles, making it a valuable partner and model for conservation educators nationwide.

What We Offer

Technical Assistance for Agricultural Conservation Professionals
We deliver consistent, science-based training for those who provide technical assistance to farmers and landowners. This includes conservation district staff, NRCS partners, nonprofit ag service providers, and Extension educators. We aim to ensure these professionals are confident in BMP design, regulatory compliance, conservation planning, and program implementation.

Agricultural Literacy Resources
Through field-based trainings, webinars, and outreach events, CACAT helps improve understanding of how agricultural systems intersect with soil health, water quality, and climate resilience. Our materials support agricultural literacy not just among professionals, but also among the farmers, landowners, and decision-makers they serve.

Agricultural Conservation and Program Funding Navigation
With the support of the ACAP program, we assist counties and conservation professionals in understanding and accessing funding opportunities for conservation practice implementation. Our outreach materials and training events clarify how to: Ag Conservation Currents E-Newsletter
A monthly update featuring resources, news, funding announcements, and training opportunities. This is a valuable way for ANREP professionals to stay informed and connected to Pennsylvania's conservation community.

Centralized Training and Resource Hub
The CACAT website hosts self-paced learning modules, technical guides, planning templates, and recorded webinars?all available for use or adaptation by Extension and conservation staff nationwide.

Professional Development and Outreach Events
From one-on-one county visits to statewide field days and national webinars, CACAT events focus on real-world conservation challenges and solutions. They provide spaces for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and relationship building across sectors.

How ANREP Members Can Benefit
The Center's offerings complement the work of Extension professionals in: Whether you're creating local training programs, helping farmers adopt new practices, or building coalitions to address watershed concerns, CACAT provides examples, tools, and templates you can build on.

Get Connected
Visit the website
Subscribe to Ag Conservation Currents
Contact us