By Blake Jackson
The 2026 ACAP Ag Con Con brought agricultural conservation professionals together in Pennsylvania for training, networking, and practical learning focused on helping farmers implement effective conservation practices.
Organized by the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) at Penn State Extension in partnership with the State Conservation Commission (SCC), the conference featured 31 sessions designed for both new and experienced conservation professionals.
Topics included manure management, buffers, silvopasture, pasture fertility, forest stewardship, engineering assistance, construction safety, and approaches for communicating with farmers experiencing stress.
Additional sessions explored mentoring, employee retention, and professional development to support the conservation workforce.
The event is supported through Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), administered by the SCC.
The state-funded program helps farmers and landowners adopt conservation practices designed to improve water quality and promote responsible environmental stewardship.
Beyond classroom instruction, participants gained hands-on experience through six field trips and five site visits.
Activities included farm and field tours, pasture-yield estimation, quarry exploration, plant identification, stream-crossing survey techniques, and interactive project management exercises.
The conference also provided opportunities for attendees to exchange experiences and strengthen professional relationships. By combining technical instruction with field-based learning, the 2026 event helped conservation professionals expand their knowledge and develop practical skills they can apply while working with farmers and agricultural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Pennsylvania, General