The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training

? Time is running out! The deadline to submit nominations for the 2025 ACAP Ag Conservation Con Awards is midnight on March 24! Do you know an ag conservation professional, project, or team that deserves recognition? Now’s the time to nominate them for one of this year’s six award categories, including: ?? Rookie of the Year – Recognizing an outstanding new conservation professional ?? ACAP MVP Award – Honoring a standout leader in conservation ?? ACAP Team Collaboration Award – Highlighting a project driven by teamwork ?? Partnership Award – Celebrating partnerships that drive conservation success ?? Innovative ACAP Project Award – Showcasing creative conservation solutions ?? Best ACAP Project Photo Award – Featuring powerful conservation imagery ?? Winners will be recognized at the ACAP Ag Conservation Con Banquet on April 2 in Harrisburg! ?? Nominate today! The full award details and submission form can be found on the CACAT website: https://lnkd.in/ezA-AJHg ?? Have questions? Contact Dana Flowers ([email protected]) or Erin Trouba ([email protected]). ?? Don’t wait—submit your nominations before March 24! Pictured is the 2024 Best ACAP Project Photo Award winner, given to Westmoreland Conservation District for a photo taken by Mark Jackson. Chelsea Gross and Allie Shreffler accepted the award on behalf of Jackson. ?? : Jesse Bussard, Penn State Extension #ACAP2025 #AgConservation #SustainableAg #ConservationLeadership #AgConservationCon #ACAPAwards #RecognizingExcellence #PennStateExtension

Did you know that the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening agricultural education? ???? PAAE focuses on: ? Professional development for ag teachers ? Advocacy for agricultural education ? Connecting educators with resources & career pathways ?? CACAT is excited to present at PAAE’s summer conference with a teacher workshop titled “Your Path to Agricultural Conservation: Tools, Training, and Careers.” We’ll explore: ?? Clean water initiatives & BMPs ?? Hands-on conservation tools ?? Careers in ag conservation & how students can get involved ?? Agricultural educators are shaping the future of conservation—let’s support them! ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_buiNTE #AgEducation #AgLiteracyWeek #ConservationCareers #PennStateExtension #SustainableAg

Today is National Ag Day, a time to celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals who sustain our communities, feed the world, and steward our land. ???? At the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT), we recognize that strong, sustainable agriculture relies on conservation. Through best management practices (BMPs), precision conservation techniques, and funding support like the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), we work to help farmers protect soil health, improve water quality, and enhance farm productivity for future generations. ?? How does agricultural conservation make a difference? ? Reduces soil erosion & improves soil health ? Protects waterways from nutrient runoff ? Supports resilient, productive farms ? Enhances biodiversity & pollinator habitats Today, we thank all those who make agriculture possible and those working to ensure its future is sustainable and strong. Let’s continue to support conservation efforts that protect our farms, communities, and natural resources! Photos show examples of the following BMPs: ?? Photo 1: Rotational grazing, Shannon Fretz ?? Photo 2: Stream crossing, Jesse Bussard, Penn State Extension ?? Photos 3 & 4: No-till planting and streambank fencing, Matt Royer, Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center #NationalAgDay #AgConservation #SustainableAg #SoilHealth #WaterQuality #Farmers #AgStewardship #PennStateExtension #AgDay2025

At CACAT, we believe that agricultural and environmental education go hand in hand. Last week, we partnered with Penn State Extension’s Youth Water Resources team to help educators teach students about the impact of land use on our environment. ?? ?? Our session focused on: ?? Monitoring stream health ?? Exploring best management practices (BMPs) for soil & water conservation ?? Hands-on tools for interactive learning We’re also celebrating the work of The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE), which supports teachers, organizations, and individuals dedicated to advancing environmental literacy across PA. ?? ?? Let’s empower the next generation with the knowledge to protect our land and water! ?? Learn more about PAEE: https://www.paee.net/ ?? : Brad Kunsman, Penn State Extension #EnvironmentalEducation #AgConservation #AgLiteracyWeek #WaterQuality #Sustainability #PennStateExtension

This week, we’re celebrating Ag Literacy Week, a special initiative by the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation to connect ag professionals with K–2 classrooms across Pennsylvania. ???? Volunteers will read an agriculturally themed book, share personal farming experiences, and engage young students in activities that highlight agriculture’s essential role in daily life. ?? CACAT is proud to sponsor several classrooms by providing this year's featured book, "The Soil in Jackie’s Garden" by Peggy Thomas. This engaging story follows Jackie and her friends as they explore the wonders of soil, gardening, and composting while learning about plant life cycles, pollinators, and environmental stewardship. ???? ?? Let’s inspire the next generation of farmers, conservationists, and ag leaders! ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e6fcJ9-P #AgLiteracyWeek #AgEducation #FutureFarmers #ConservationMatters #PennStateExtension

?? One Week Left to Register! Don’t Miss ACAP Ag Conservation Con 2025! ?? The final countdown is on ?—there’s just ONE WEEK left to register for ACAP Ag Conservation Con, happening April 1-3 in Harrisburg, PA! This premier professional development event is designed for ag conservation professionals, conservation district staff, and industry partners looking to strengthen their skills, expand their networks, and advance agricultural conservation in Pennsylvania. ?? Why Attend? ? Expert-led discussions on engineering, conservation funding, manure management, & more ? Hands-on field visits showcasing real-world conservation practices ? 200+ conservation professionals to network & collaborate with ? A Sponsor Social & Conservation Trivia Night ?? ? Final Registration Deadline: March 23 – Don’t miss your chance to be part of Pennsylvania’s leading ag conservation event! ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eFgTUGvZ ?? : Jesse Bussard, Penn State Extension #ACAP2025 #AgConservation #SustainableAg #SoilHealth #WaterQuality #AgConservationCon #ProfessionalDevelopment #PennStateExtension #ConservationMatters

Did you know? Pennsylvania is home to 86,000 miles of rivers and streams — the second-highest total of any state in the country! These waterways are vital to our environment, economy, and communities, supporting everything from local industry to wildlife habitat. On this International Day of Action for Rivers, let’s raise awareness in protecting and restoring these invaluable resources. Whether through policy advocacy, sustainable practices, or community involvement, we all have a role to play in preserving Pennsylvania’s waterways for future generations. ?? Let’s ensure our rivers remain healthy and sustainable, and work together for cleaner, more resilient water systems. #ActionForRivers?#ProtectOurRivers #CleanWater #PAWaterways?

?? This is a great initiative! Help spread the word! ??

?? Calling All Ag Conservation Employers – Join Us at Penn State’s Earth, Environment & Sustainability Career Fair! ?? The Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Career Fair is happening on March 21 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Penn State’s University Park campus, and we’re inviting ag conservation professionals to join us! This university-wide event connects students with employers in conservation, sustainability, and environmental sciences—a perfect opportunity to introduce the next generation to careers in agricultural conservation. ?? Don’t have current job openings? No problem! This is a chance to build awareness of your organization and connect with future talent. Plus, CACAT is offering FREE registration to ag conservation employers! ?? Interested in attending? Contact Erin Trouba ([email protected]) to secure your spot! Learn more about the career fair here: https://lnkd.in/e3egQMfC #AgConservationCareers #SustainableAg #EnvironmentalCareers #ConservationLeadership #PennStateExtension #NetworkingOpportunity

ICYMI: There's still time to register for the 2025 ACAP Ag Conservation Con! Check out our video for a preview and then head over to the Penn State Extension website to get signed up! #AgConservation #Pennsylvania