Penn State Extension to Host Agricultural Conservation Conference June 4-6

Individuals working in agricultural conservation can dive into professional development opportunities by attending the “ACAP Ag Conservation Con,” June 4-6 at Toftrees Golf Resort, located at 1 Country Club Lane in State College.

The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, administered by Penn State Extension, will host this conference. The center is funded by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission through its Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, known as ACAP, which was created through the Clean Streams Fund established in the fiscal 2022-23 state budget.

“This event will provide valuable professional development and networking opportunities as we strive to provide the technical expertise that’s needed to help producers protect our soil and water resources,” said Jennifer Fetter, director of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training. “This is our first major conference, but we plan to make it an annual event that complements our other training and educational programs.”

This conference is designed for conservation district employees, agricultural conservation professionals from the public and private sectors, and anyone associated with the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program or other conservation financial assistance programs.

Participants can:

• Stay up to date on the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and other conservation financial assistance programs.

• Refresh basic engineering skills and knowledge on the new job approval authority program.

• Learn about upcoming changes to the manure management plan and how to choose the correct plan for agricultural operations.

• Improve resource concern identification skills and knowledge of practices to solve these concerns.

• Gain essential skills for working with farmers and agricultural producers.

Conference organizers also will offer a variety of field trips enabling participants to explore conservation practices and increase their agricultural literacy. In addition, an evening banquet and awards ceremony will feature Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and State Conservation Commission Executive Secretary Douglas Wolfgang.

The early registration fee of $45 is available through May 10. After May 10, the registration fee will be $55. Participants must register by May 31. Students can register for $30.

Various levels of event sponsorships are available, which include conference registrations, recognition in the banquet program and other perks.