Conservation Practices

Learn farm equipment basics, calibration, and conservation practices while networking with ag professionals.

The Penn State Equine Pasture Evaluation Disc (EPED) can be used to document the concentration of weeds and desirable plants in pastures.

With moist and cool soil conditions it becomes even more important to pay attention to details when using no-till. Here are 11 tips for no-till planting.

A grazing dairy in southeastern Pennsylvania meets summer forage needs with annual warm season mixtures planted in a continuous no-till system.

Calibrating broadcast fertilizer spreaders ensures cost-effective nutrient application.

This three-part series identifies resources that can be used by new or experienced farmers to guide them through the risk management planning process.

A challenge that beef and dairy producers manage through is mud, which deteriorates soil health in areas of heavy use. A heavy use area pad prevents soil erosion, creating more sustainability.

During the spring when regular precipitation keeps soils moist it is important to monitor your grazing to avoid causing soil compaction that can reduce the productivity and environmental function of your fields.

Manure injection conserves the benefits of no-till while reducing soluble phosphorus in runoff caused by high phosphorus concentrations at the soil surface. Less odor and decreases in nitrogen losses are additional benefits.

Sacrifice areas are areas where livestock are kept during inclement weather, or to protect pastures from damage.

This video describes basic questions about hazards associated with manure pits located beneath solid and slatted floor dairy barns that incorporates manure storage.

Learn how cover crops can be used to prevent soil erosion and increase soil health, along with how producers can achieve maximum returns from cover cropping.

A scale model is used to show risks of working in an empty manure pit without taking at least four simple precautions to ensure safe entry.

Foolish Freddie demonstrates the proper approach to working in and around manure storages. Sensible steps that must be taken to assure safe entry and working conditions are shown in scale model manure storage.

Learn how grass buffers are beneficial to streambanks by reducing sediment, discover species of grass as consideration for the use of riparian buffers, and more!

Learn about what generates concentrated flow paths, why they can be a problem, and what can be done to diminish the harmful impacts of these runoff events.

Review the setbacks of surface water and groundwater contamination, how it occurs, and the guidelines on protecting our sources of drinking water.

Manure impacts water quality. In Pennsylvania, everyone who produces manure needs a plan. That includes 4-H youth!

Information on grazing cover crops for soil health.

Learn about plants to use in rain gardens and green roofs in Pennsylvania and mid-Atlantic states. Earn PCH credits.

Learn about managing and reclaiming sacrifice areas while protecting ground soil resources.

Describes the timing, species, and equipment for frost seeding cover crops in small grains and for pasture renovation.

This virtual event will cover the basics of pasture renovation!

Discuss the benefits and environmental risks of horse manure on pastures during this informative event!

Anaerobic digesters for biogas production are a successful component of many farms throughout Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.