Karl Brown shakes Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding’s hand as he receives his award for exceptional conservation leadership.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The inaugural ACAP Ag Conservation Con, held June 4-6 at the Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, drew a diverse group of professionals dedicated to agricultural conservation. The conference included presentations, field trips and an awards ceremony recognizing leaders in the field.

The event kicked off with updates from the State Conservation Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Attendees benefited from breakout sessions on various topics pertinent to the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) and related conservation practices.

A highlight of the conference was the capstone session titled “Silvopasturing to Expand and Enhance Grazing in the Northeast,” presented by Brett Chedzoy from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The second day offered attendees multiple field trip options, including tours focusing on nontraditional agriculture, ACAP conservation practices, anaerobic manure digestors, Penn State’s livestock facilities and a local stone quarry. These excursions provided practical insights and networking opportunities.

Conference organizers acknowledged the support of various sponsors, including Herbert, Rowland and Grubic Inc., the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Mowery Environmental LLC, Horizon Farm Credit, Weaver Environmental Consulting, PASA Sustainable Agriculture, Team Ag Inc., and Larson Design Group. The sponsor reception on the first evening provided a networking opportunity, complemented by a lively session of Ag Conservation Trivia, where teams competed for prizes.

The banquet and awards ceremony on the evening of the second day featured distinguished speakers, such as Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, and other prominent figures who shared their expertise and insights into agricultural conservation.

ACAP awards recognize outstanding contributions

The inaugural ACAP Ag Conservation Con also highlighted the achievements of individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to agricultural conservation. This year’s award winners included:

  • Karl Brown Award for Conservation Leadership: Karl Brown, for his crucial role in securing $154 million in funding for ACAP, advancing best management practices on farms.
  • The Future Conservationist Award: Maya Gall, recognized for her proactive engagement in conservation and environmental education.
  • Conservation District Team Collaboration Award: Lancaster County Conservation District, for its effective management and implementation of funded projects under ACAP, demonstrating exceptional service and stewardship.
  • ACAP Partnership Award: Team Ag, awarded for its exemplary collaborative efforts on conservation projects across 10 counties.
  • Innovative ACAP Project Award: Wyoming County Conservation District, for its innovative use of ACAP funds to establish a multifunctional buffer at Two Fold Farm + Studio, which enhances both the environment and farm economics.
  • ACAP MVP Award: Tracey Crawford, of the Crawford County Conservation District, honored for her leadership and effective integration of ACAP programs within her community.
  • Best ACAP Photo Award: Mark Jackson from the Westmoreland Conservation District, chosen by conference attendees for his photograph that captures the essence of conservation work.

Staff from the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training extended thanks to all participants, presenters and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event. They noted that feedback gathered from this inaugural conference will be invaluable for planning future events aimed at promoting sustainable conservation practices across Pennsylvania.

More information about the center and future events is available online at https://extension.psu.edu/water/conservation-practices-and-training.

###

EDITORS: For more information, contact Jesse Bussard at jessebussard@psu.edu or 814-599-5854.