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.