The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) is a Penn State Extension center dedicated to strengthening the effectiveness of agricultural conservation across Pennsylvania.
CACAT supports farmers, conservation professionals, and partner organizations by focusing on applied technical assistance, workforce development, and collaboration that improve conservation outcomes on working lands.
Our Story
CACAT emerged from the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), a program administered by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC), to meet a critical need for applied technical and training support in agricultural conservation, and was created through collaboration with the USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Pennsylvania. CACAT would not exist without the vision and leadership of the SCC, whose commitment to high‑quality conservation implementation helped establish the foundation for the center.
Building on this strong foundation, CACAT's role has expanded over time. While rooted in ACAP, the center applies the expertise, partnerships, and lessons learned through that program to serve the broader agricultural conservation community, supporting professionals and partners working across multiple conservation programs and landscapes throughout the Commonwealth.
What We Do
CACAT supports agricultural conservation by emphasizing practical implementation, capacity building, and coordination. As a Penn State Extension center, CACAT focuses on helping people apply knowledge effectively in the field rather than leading independent research or regulatory efforts.
Deliver Applied Technical and Implementation Support
CACAT provides hands‑on, field‑based, and remote technical assistance to help ensure conservation practices are planned, installed, and maintained successfully. This includes engineering guidance, design review, and support related to construction, operation, and maintenance. CACAT works closely with farmers and conservation professionals to help agricultural conservation projects succeed in real‑world conditions.
Strengthen Conservation Workforce Skills and Confidence
CACAT offers practical training, credentials, and learning opportunities that build technical knowledge, applied problem‑solving skills, and professional judgment. These efforts are designed to strengthen the capacity of agricultural conservation professionals and producers to deliver high‑quality conservation programs and outcomes.
Connect People, Partners, and Decision‑Support Resources
CACAT serves as a connector within Penn State Extension and among external partners. The center works collaboratively with conservation districts, USDA‑NRCS, the State Conservation Commission, the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, and other partners to coordinate expertise and apply decision‑support resources to improve alignment, efficiency, and impact across agricultural conservation programs.
Translate Applied Conservation Knowledge into Practice
CACAT collaborates with researchers and partners to help translate applied research and field experience into practical guidance for conservation practice and program delivery. The center also supports student and early‑career learning pathways and shares lessons learned to inform training, technical assistance, and continuous improvement across the conservation community.
Serving Pennsylvania's Agricultural Conservation Community
By building on its roots in ACAP and working in close partnership with the State Conservation Commission, USDA‑NRCS, Penn State Extension units, and other collaborators, CACAT helps strengthen agricultural conservation delivery systems across the state. The center remains committed to supporting the people, partnerships, and practical solutions necessary to protect natural resources while sustaining productive working lands.
Funding Acknowledgment
The Center is supported by funding from the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), administered by the PA State Conservation Commission, which enables us to continue delivering essential training and resources to conservation districts and their partners.
Contact Us
To learn more about CACAT or to connect with our team, please contact us at agconservation@psu.edu or visit our homepage for current programs and resources.
You may also sign up for the CACAT newsletter to receive updates on trainings, resources, and opportunities related to agricultural conservation.
