Thousands of farmers and ranchers – all card-holding members of the nation’s largest general farm organization, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) – will plow into downtown Phoenix starting this weekend (Jan. 6-11) for the group’s 98^th annual convention.

Instead of plowing up asphalt to plant a bevy of farm crops and expand Arizona’s $17 billion agricultural industry, the Farm Bureau members will discuss AFBF policy resolutions and hammer out the organization’s direction for 2017 while learning about the latest technology and trends in the business of farming.

The convention includes outstanding speakers, including retired father and son retired National Football League football quarterbacks Archie and Peyton Manning, the latter a two-time Super Bowl winner, along with general and breakout sessions and the recognition of farm and ranch members.

Optional Arizona farm tours will include visits to wine grape, pecan, and fruit and vegetable operations.

Arizona is heralded for its diverse agriculture including the production of 250-plus crops, plus the Grand Canyon State’s ‘Five Cs’ - cattle, cotton, citrus, copper, and climate. Daytime high temperatures around 70 degrees will welcome Farm Bureau members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Phoenix is the U.S.'s sixth largest city population wise.