The Promise of Better Days

It is my belief that those who fight 

modern agricultural practices 

know not the passion and truth 

behind this entry. 

I encourage them to read on - 

I believe in the future of agriculture.

Who across the United States, no matter what generation, doesn't recognize the root of the seven words above? If you're one who hasn't a recognition, you likely also don't have an appreciation for national blue corduroy, standing in a pit evaluating dirt or even Robert's Rule of Order. 


Those seven words begin the creed of the National FFA Organization. 
The creed is the foundation in which the organization was built upon. 
It is the solid block on which the organization still proudly stands today. 


It is also partly the foundation in which modern agricultural practices are based upon in 2012. While some may see agriculture as a "behind the times" occupation, picturing our grandfathers sitting on buckets and milking a Holstein, I know firmly that the only reason this nation - this world! - has sustained is because agriculture was willing to foresee the future and change with the times. 

Agriculture is the most progressive industry in the world. 

We are not Kodak. 
We are American Agriculture. 

With that, nothing disappoints me more than those who claim that modern production practices across the United States are out of line. Please, become educated before you make those claims; it only tarnishes your credibility in real world, sustainable applications. Contact me, I didn't get up at 4:57AM everyday of high school for nothing. I'd be glad to give you accurate information, directly from someone who has lived and breathed the industry. 


I know not of an organization with such historical roots that still abides by the same principles and values that it did when its creed was firstly written, such as the FFA. 
I sorely wish our Country could proudly say the same. 


If you don't know the FFA creed, or FFA for that matter, I encourage you to take three minutes to read it below. It will help you understand why the national blue and corn gold runs fiercely through the veins of hundreds of thousands across the country, and why those of us involved in agriculture, whether former FFA members or not, are so darn passionate about our livelihood.

If you were an FFA member and do remember the creed, I encourage you to read it again as we celebrate this week. I was actually called out three weeks ago by a professional mentor after I told him I was a proud FFA supporter -


"What is the creed?" he boldly asked me. 
I was completely blank. 
And, also reminded that it is always important to have at heart the foundation in which you're supporting. Whether that be agriculture, religion or something as trivial as the Giants vs. Patriots. 

The Creed of the National FFA Organization:


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.