By Blake Jackson
The 2025 Soil Health and Sustainability Training for Field Staff is set to take place in a hybrid format, combining both online and in-person learning. This essential training session is scheduled for July 7 to 9, 2025, with three days of interactive online instruction. Following the virtual component, participants must attend a mandatory in-person field day on July 11, 2025, which will be held in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, located in Juniata County.
This training is a vital requirement for individuals seeking planner certification in conservation work. To be eligible, students must have already completed two prerequisite courses: Agricultural Conservation Technical Training Level I (also known as PA Boot Camp Basic Level) and Introduction to Conservation Planning. These foundational courses prepare participants for the in-depth topics that will be covered in the Soil Health and Sustainability session.
The course will focus on key areas including soil health practices, sustainable farming techniques, and field-level conservation planning. The in-person field day offers hands-on experience, helping participants apply what they’ve learned online to real-world scenarios.
Interested individuals must register before the deadline of May 1, 2025. For registration details and more information about eligibility and course prerequisites, please contact Dayanna Barnes via email at dayanna.barnes@usda.gov.
With the rising need for sustainable agricultural practices, this training ensures that conservation planners are equipped with the knowledge and field skills necessary to support healthy soils and productive farms across the country.
This course continues to be a cornerstone in professional development for conservation field staff and aligns with the USDA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture