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.
The creed was written by E.M. Tiffany and adopted at the Third National FFA Convention. It was revised at the 38th and 63rd Conventions.
Celebrating 85 years of the FFA Creed
In 1930, Mickey Mouse made his debut in the New York Mirror newspaper, the first quick-frozen foods were sold in retail stores, and the Athletics (then in Philadelphia) beat the St. Louis Cardinals to win the World Series – but perhaps even more important to FFA members, the Future Farmer Creed written by Erwin Milton Tiffany was adopted as the official creed of the Future Farmers of America, known today as the National FFA Organization.
In 2015, we celebrated the 85th anniversary of the FFA Creed with a video that presents a moving introduction to E.M. Tiffany by his son, Jackson Tiffany, followed by a recitation of the FFA Creed by current and former FFA members from across the country.
The FFA Creed expresses E.M. Tiffany’s strong belief in the industry of agriculture and the core values of citizenship and patriotism. Jackson Tiffany says it gives him “a warm feeling” to know his father’s words have touched the lives of so many FFA members over the past 85 years. We believe the FFA Creed will continue to inspire FFA members for many years to come!
Special thanks to Jackson Tiffany, the Georgia FFA Association and Branch Carter (for the video of President Jimmy Carter), Easton Corbin, Travis Bradshaw and the FFA members who contributed to this video tribute.
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