The annual AFBF convention and IDEAg Trade Show is Jan. 7-10, 2017, in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.

“With average January highs in the 60s and abundant sunshine, Phoenix will offer a welcome break from our Indiana winter,” said Chris Fenner, INFB’s operations and event manager.

The convention offers a number of speakers, workshops, recognition and fun.

Members who want to support the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture have three opportunities: the Foundation Golf Classic on Saturday, Jan. 7; a flapjack breakfast on Sunday, Jan. 8, which features an overview of 2017 programming; and the Foundation Night Out on Monday, Jan. 9, which offers live music from the Texas Tenors, a live auction and dancing. The foundation provides programming to increase agricultural literacy. There will also be an online auction to benefit the foundation.

Other highlights:

• Ten Arizona ag tours are available on Jan. 7 and Jan. 10. Tour options cover topics from frontier saloons to growing carrots.
• The top four competitors for the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge make their pitches on Jan. 8.
• The IDEAg Trade Show opens on Jan. 8. In addition to vendor booths, the trade show features the Cultivation Center, offering 15-minute town-hall style workshops on new ideas.
• Young Farmer Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture winners will be named at the closing session on Jan. 9.

The Indiana cohort will stay in the convention headquarters hotel, the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, which is adjacent to the convention center. Attendees will have the opportunity to eat breakfast with other members from Indiana on Monday, Jan. 9.

Visit www.infb.org and look under the events menu for an AFBF convention brochure with details, prices and registration information, or call Chris Davis at Geraci Travel, 800-741-0719. Payment must be received by Dec. 1 to guarantee a spot.

Learn more about the convention agenda at annualconvention.fb.org.