E.M. Tiffany wrote the FFA Creed in 1930, it was then adopted by the Future Farmer’s of America, now the National FFA Organization, in the same year and has been a rallying cry for FFA members across the United States, and across the world, ever since.
Take a moment to read through the Creed, one that many FFA members memorize as part of their activities in FFA.
The FFA Creed
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.
This week is National FFA Week. An opportunity for FFA members across the United States to celebrate their chapter activities and accomplishments and to bring awareness to the amazing work that the youth involved in these programs do. National FFA Week is also a week to celebrate agriculture – all that it has provided to this great country of ours and all the ways that agriculture has expanded its footprint to be on the cutting edge of major technical and scientific breakthroughs.
Many a farmer likely found their passion for agriculture in the FFA, or confirmed their desired career and life path in this great organization. Join Rockingham Cooperative as we celebrate National FFA Week. Try on your old FFA Jacket to see if it still fits – but we warn you, be prepared for the wave of memories that will likely flood you when trying on that old blue corduroy. Seek out your old FFA Chapter to see what activities they have planned for this week and for the remainder of the year to offer your support. Take a moment to re-read the FFA Creed, above, and appreciate the lifestyle that we live as agriculturalists, working with the land as God intended and being an invaluable piece to our communities.
You can learn more about the great work that Virginia FFA and West Virginia FFA are doing by visiting their website!