Farm Tour 

The USDA offers a pre-forum field trip for early arrivals. This year’s trip will feature a hog and a dairy farm enterprise and a tour of USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center to visit with scientists who conduct research on various topics . A fee of $65 covers transportation costs and a boxed lunch. 

UPDATE: The waitlist for the field trip has closed. 

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

7:20 a.m. - Depart from Crystal City Gateway Marriott  

8:30 a.m. - Arrive at Chestnut Hill Farm in Frederick, MD

• Visit the difference phases of the hog production
• View the feeding and storage facilities
• Inquire about the different technologies used on farm
• Talk about manure and nutrient management practices

9:40 a.m. - Depart from Hog Farm in Frederick, MD

9:55 a.m. - Arrive at Gross Nickel Dairy Farm in Frederick, MD

11:05 a.m. - Depart from Dairy Farm in Frederick, MD

11:55 a.m. - Arrive at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - LUNCH (provided)

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Beltsville Agricultural Research Center tour 

4:15 – 5:00 p.m. - Arrive at  University of the District of Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE)

• University of the District of Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE) house the Aquaponic Systems used to grow tilapia and vegetables.

5:45 – 6:15 p.m. - Arrive at Crystal City Gateway Marriott

This schedule may be subject to change.

Note: As of December 14, 2023, all available places for USDA employees have been filled. However, we recognize the value of participation from USDA employees and are offering them a waitlist option. If you are a USDA employee and would like to join the waitlist, please email us at mleichty@infinityconferences.com with your name and contact information. Should any spots become available, we will contact individuals on the waitlist in order of received requests.