I believe in the future of agriculture, with
a faith born not of words but of deeds -
achievements won by the present and past
generations of agriculturists; in the
promise of better days through better ways,
even as the better things we now enjoy have
come to us from the struggles of former
years.
I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be
engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well
as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of
agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those
associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I
cannot deny.
I believe in leadership from ourselves and
respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work
efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill
as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive
agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in
producing and marketing the product of our toil.
I believe in less dependence on begging
and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and
enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well
as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when
needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those
whose happiness depends upon me.
I believe that American agriculture can
and will hold true to the best traditions of our national
life and that I can exert an influence in my home and
community which will stand solid for my part in that
inspiring task.
The creed was written by E. M.
Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the
FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd
Convention.