The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) at Penn State Extension was formed in 2023 in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC). Funding for the center is provided through the state Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).
Since its inception, the Center has worked to provide technical assistance, training, and educational resources to ag conservation professionals at local conservation districts and their partners. This support ensures the effective implementation of BMPs funded by ACAP and other agricultural conservation programs.
CACAT offers a wide range of services and resources to support agricultural conservation professionals in their critical work, including:
- Ag Conservation Professional Training Events, Annual Conferences, and Webinars
- One-on-One County ACAP Technical Support Visits
- Ag Conservation Currents e-newsletter: Keeping professionals informed about the latest developments, resources, and best practices.
- CACAT Website: A centralized hub for training materials, updates, and technical resources.
- ACAP Promotions and Outreach Events: Increasing awareness of funding opportunities and BMP implementation.
CACAT delivers comprehensive educational experiences to enhance expertise and capacity. Educational events fall into three major categories, and while ACAP staff are the focus audience, most events are open to all who are interested in agconservation professional development.
Attendance at CACAT educational events, by major subject, since CACAT's founding in 2023
- ACAP Staff - 370
- NRCS Staff - 72
- Other Staff - 1087
- ACAP Staff - 735
- NRCS Staff - 18
- Other Staff - 910
- ACAP Staff - 475
- NRCS Staff - 90
- Other Staff - 2688
