Approximately 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CDT

Get ready for a full-day adventure into the soul of Mississippi! We’ll start early and head west to the legendary Delta, where history, music, and culture come alive. Our journey begins at Dockery Farms, established in 1895 by Will Dockery. The expansive plantation grew from an original timber and sawmill operation into a massive cotton enterprise covering up to 25,600 acres. Dockery treated sharecroppers fairly, attracting a vibrant workforce whose agricultural labor and cultural life laid the foundations for the blues and was home to icons like Charley Patton and Robert Johnson. From there, we’ll explore the GRAMMY Museum, diving into interactive exhibits that celebrate the sounds that shaped American music. We’ll also visit the Bayer Scott Learning Center to see how agricultural innovation continues to transform this region. And when it’s time to eat, we will feast on authentic Delta cuisine featuring the star of the show—Mississippi Farm-raised catfish! It’s an early start and a late return, but you’ll come back with a full belly, a head full of stories, and maybe even a little blues in your soul. Don’t miss this chance to experience the Mississippi Delta like never before! 

This full‑day tour includes multiple stops and extended travel across the Mississippi Delta.

• Participants should expect early departure, late return, and several outdoor environments.
• Tour stops such as Dockery Farms include uneven terrain, gravel surfaces, and outdoor walking, while the GRAMMY Museum and the Bayer Scott Learning Center are fully indoor, climate‑controlled, and accessible by standard mobility devices.
• Transportation will be provided between all locations.
• Water, restrooms, and opportunities for rest will be available throughout the day.
• Shade breaks, weather‑related accommodations, and seating will be provided whenever possible.
• Walking distances at heritage sites may be longer and may not include paved paths.

Approximately 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Looking for a way to give back during the conference? Join us for a half-day service project with Starkville Strong, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting families and individuals in need. This hands-on opportunity is all about community, whether it’s organizing donations, stocking shelves, or helping with outreach efforts, your time will make a real impact right here in Starkville. It’s a chance to connect with fellow attendees, experience the spirit of service, and leave a positive mark on the community that’s hosting us. Come ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! 

This service project takes place indoors within community outreach facilities.

• Activities may include light physical tasks, organize goods, or assist with supply areas. Alternative, seated, low‑mobility tasks will be available for individuals who prefer or require them.
• Spaces are indoor, climate‑controlled, and accessible, though movement between rooms or workstations may be required.
• Restrooms, water, and seating are available, and volunteers may take breaks as needed.

Approximately 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM OR 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes experience you won’t forget!
At Mississippi State University, our land-grant mission comes to life through hands-on learning, real-world innovation, and an up-close look at how modern agricultural operations truly work. You’ll explore MSU’s cutting-edge blend of research, extension and educational agricultural practices, processing, and retail opportunities, discovering the same best practices that help producers across Mississippi – and far beyond – thrive. Along the way, you’ll meet the experts, see the technology in action, and learn how MSU continues to lead in agricultural excellence.
 

• Option 1: MSUAg Dairy Science Farm-to-Table
  
  Experience Mississippi State University’s dairy story—up close, hands-on, and farm-fresh!
  MSU brings together world-class research, hands-on teaching, innovative food production, and statewide outreach to power the future of animal agriculture and food processing in Mississippi. On this immersive tour, you’ll step inside every stage of MSU’s legendary dairy-to-table pipeline.
  
  Your journey begins at the Bearden Dairy Research Center, where Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) staff milk up to 200 cows, twice a day, 365 days a year. You’ll meet Holstein heifers, crossbred grazers, and MSU’s award-winning Jersey herd—ranked top 10 in the nation by the American Jersey Cattle Association and the only collegiate herd to earn that distinction. This is where more than 3 million pounds of milk are produced each year, setting the stage for the magic that happens next.
  
  From the farm, we’ll head to the Custer Dairy Processing Plant, where raw milk is transformed into fan-favorite products—creamy cheeses, rich milk beverages, fresh butter and buttermilk, and of course, the ice cream MSU is famous for. You’ll see how Edam cheese, an MSU tradition for more than 75 years, is crafted, along with other iconic creations like Muscadine Ripple ice cream.
  
  Your final stop is the beloved MAFES Sales Store (“The Cheese Store”), where MSU dairy products make their way to campus and community tables. Tour attendees will enjoy a special tasting during lunch, featuring signature MSU favorites—including that legendary Edam and a scoop of Muscadine Ripple.
  From pasture to processing to your plate—this tour brings the full MSU dairy experience to life!
  *Note: Some stops may be dependent on current biosecurity practices and requirements. 
   
• Option 2: MSUAg Poultry Science Farm-to-Table
  
  Step into the heartbeat of Mississippi’s number one agricultural commodity—poultry!
  Your tour of Mississippi State University’s Poultry Science production and processing facilities takes you inside one of the most advanced and comprehensive poultry research complexes in the nation. Located at the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center—known to MSU insiders as South Farm—this expansive site showcases the innovation and expertise that drive a $2.7 billion industry in Mississippi.
  
  As one of only six poultry science degree-granting departments in the U.S., MSU’s Department of Poultry Science leads the way in teaching, research, and extension programs that reflect cutting-edge industry practices. The complex features 17 specialized buildings, including 10 dedicated to housing birds across all life stages—from hatchlings to commercial broilers, student learning flocks, judging birds, and caged layers.
  
  Your visit will take you through every stage of modern poultry production. You’ll see the on-site hatchery, tour commercial-style houses, explore research-focused environments, and gain insight into how students and scientists work side-by-side to advance the field. The complex also includes a fully functional feed mill, a state-of-the-art processing facility, and a biosecure laboratory, all designed to simulate real-world industry systems.
  
  More than just a learning space, the MSU Poultry Research Complex is engineered for discovery. Its design supports rigorous research trials and future innovations that directly benefit the poultry industry in Mississippi and beyond.
  
  Come experience the science, scale, and innovation behind one of Mississippi’s most influential industries—right here at MSU!
  *Note: Some stops may be dependent on current biosecurity practices and requirements. 
   
• Option 3: MSUAg Meat Science Farm-to-Table
  
  Experience the heart of MSU’s animal agriculture—where innovation, hands-on learning, and world-class research come together.
  Your tour begins at the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, affectionately known as South Farm, an essential 1,100+-acre land resource supporting MSU’s mission in Animal Science teaching, research, and extension. Just south of campus, this expansive center gives students, stakeholders, and visitors an unforgettable, up-close look at modern livestock management and the latest advances in animal agriculture.
  
  South Farm is a hub of livestock and forage research, with the largest portion of its acreage dedicated to the university’s beef programs. Here, you’ll see the herds that support MSU’s ongoing beef cattle studies—work that directly strengthens Mississippi’s agricultural landscape. The center is also home to approximately 30 Hamp × Suffolk crossbred ewes, forming the teaching and research flock at the South Farm sheep unit. Every stop highlights the practical, hands-on experiences MSU is known for.
  
  Next, the tour heads to the MAFES Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory, a cutting-edge, 18,000-square-foot facility where science meets craft. Inside, you’ll explore the harvest area, demonstration spaces, processing rooms, smokehouse, freezers, classrooms, and research labs—all buzzing with activity from the Departments of Animal & Dairy Science and the Food Science Innovation Hub.
  
  This is where some of MSU’s finest beef and pork products come to life, including ribeye steaks, ground chuck, sirloin tip roasts, sausage, jerky, snack sticks, and more. These high-quality meats are sold and distributed through the campus MAFES Sales Store (“The Cheese Store”), connecting research excellence directly to the community.
  From pasture to processing, this tour brings you inside the full spectrum of MSU innovation—one that feeds learning, fuels discovery, and supports Mississippi agriculture from the ground up.*Note: Some stops may be dependent on current biosecurity practices and requirements. 
   
• Option 4: MSUAg Turf, Gardens, Blooms, and Bugs Farm-to-Home
  
  THIS IS OUR TURF — and You’re About to See Why - Your tour begins at the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Facility, known across campus as North Farm, where MSU’s plant science, turfgrass, floriculture, and entomology programs come alive. From the coast of Mississippi to the coast of Japan, the reach of Mississippi State’s turfgrass research extends around the world—and this stop shows you exactly how. MSU is internationally recognized for turfgrass research that has transformed lawns and athletic fields across America. At the MAFES Turfgrass Breeding Nursery, you’ll explore the birthplace of elite turf varieties designed for sod farmers, sports facilities, golf courses, and homeowners. Here, MSU scientists have crossed the popular Celebration cultivar with MSU-developed standouts—like Bullseye, a Bermuda grass that has made its mark on some of the most iconic athletic venues in the nation such as The Rose Bowl, Chase Field, The Home Depot Center, Kauffman Stadium, PetCo Park, and premier golf courses across the country. These patented grasses aren’t just famous—they're among MSU’s most lucrative licensed technologies, and new varieties under development promise an even brighter future for the turfgrass program.
  
  A Blooming Oasis for Hands-On Learning - Just beyond the turf fields lies a vibrant curve of color—the MSU Horticulture Garden, a flourishing haven that supports floriculture and ornamental horticulture education. Planted in 2022 with support from the American Floral Endowment, this experiential classroom includes two dozen specialty-cut flower varieties, 24 raised garden beds for hands-on growing and harvesting, and raining opportunities for careers in floral design, horticulture, and cut flower production. It’s the perfect blend of research, creativity, and real-world skill building.
  
  Growing MSU’s Future: The Student Farm where sustainable agriculture, modern food production, and design education converge. Students from horticulture, nutrition, landscape architecture, and related programs gain immersive experience in sustainable growing practices, farm design, specialty crop management, community engagement, and more. Future plans include partnerships with MSU Dining Services (Aramark) to bring student-grown produce to campus meals—and donating harvests to Bully’s Pantry, supporting students facing food insecurity.
  
  The Final Stop: The Mississippi Entomological Museum - Your North Farm adventure concludes at the Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM), one of the Southeast’s largest and most active university insect collections. With 1.6 million+ specimens and 35,000 new additions every year, this museum is a powerhouse of discovery. The collection includes insects from all 50 states, 48 countries, 22,000+ Panamanian moths and butterflies. With seven full-time staff, dedicated student workers, and global research collaborations, MEM showcases the diversity and importance of the insect world like few places can.
  
  From turf to flowers, from food production to insects, North Farm is a living laboratory—vibrant, hands-on, and bursting with innovation. This is MSU’s plant science powerhouse, and this tour invites you right into its beating heart.

Approximately 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT

Join us for a flavorful full-day tour celebrating three highlights of Mississippi agriculture and local craft culture: peanuts, prairie science, and community. We will begin at Birdsong Peanuts, where participants will experience the full peanut journey from grower delivery and grading to shelling, storage, and quality control. The tour continues at the Prairie Research Unit, a 2,400-acre site established in 1962 and is now part of the North Mississippi Experiment Station. Home to about 350 commercial cows with fall and spring calving seasons, the unit conducts research focused on forages and livestock. Guests will explore current projects and enjoy lunch from a local barbecue staple. We will conclude at 1817 Brewery with a guided beer flight and time to relax and connect with fellow NACTA attendees. Come ready to learn, taste, and enjoy an engaging look at Mississippi agriculture. 

This tour includes indoor and outdoor agricultural environments, with stops at Birdsong Peanuts, the Prairie Research Unit, and 1817 Brewery.

• Outdoor research areas may include uneven terrain, gravel roads, farm pastures, and variable weather exposure.
• Birdsong Peanuts includes industrial spaces with noise, machinery, and elevated walkways, though accessible alternatives can be provided.
• The brewery is indoor, climate‑controlled, and accessible, with seating available.
• Transportation, water, shade breaks, and restrooms will be available at scheduled points.
• Lunch will include seating.

Approximately 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Discover Prairie Wildlife, a unique destination that blends beautiful open spaces with memorable experiences for all guests. Prairie Wildlife is a premier conservation-driven sporting estate offering hunts, clay shoots, corporate outings, and more. Enjoy the excitement of the 5-stand or Helice shooting experience or relax on a guided property tour that showcases the stunning landscape and thoughtful design of the grounds. Prairie Wildlife is an Ovis-endorsed wingshooting lodge and a Ducks Unlimited-approved outfitter.

• The property includes a mix of natural terrain, grasslands, gravel paths, and lodge facilities, and many activities take place across large outdoor spaces.
• Participants should expect uneven ground, natural surfaces, and possible exposure to sun, wind, and changing weather conditions during portions of the tour.
• Indoor lodge areas are accessible and include restrooms, seating, and climate‑controlled spaces.
• Transportation will be provided to and from the site, and water, rest breaks, and shaded areas will be made available as the schedule allows.
• Because Prairie Wildlife is an active sporting and conservation estate, some areas may have restricted access or require modified routes for participants with mobility needs.

Approximately 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Take flight without leaving the ground! This half-day tour offers an insider’s look at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Center, a national leader in aerospace research and unmanned aircraft systems. You’ll explore cutting-edge facilities where engineers and scientists are shaping the future of aviation and agriculture. Discover how advanced composites and next-generation flight technologies are revolutionizing precision agriculture, helping farmers monitor crops, manage resources, and boost sustainability from above. You’ll even see the aircraft and systems that make these breakthroughs possible. If you’ve ever wondered how aviation and agriculture intersect, this is your chance to find out! 

This half‑day tour occurs primarily indoors in research hangars, labs, and demonstration spaces, which are generally accessible, climate‑controlled, and designed to support visitors.

• Some areas may require short periods of standing, and walking distances between buildings are moderate with paved surfaces.
• Outdoor movement is minimal but may include brief exposure to sun or weather.
• Transportation to and from the center is provided.
• Restrooms and seating are available at most stops.