1. The FFA Creed
Alysa Sanford
Topic # 0004

2. What is a creed?
Many have compared what the creed is to the FFA, to what the Pledge of Allegiance is to United State of America.
Creed: A set of fundamental beliefs or guiding principles (Merriam Webster OnLine)

3. History Written by E. M. Tiffany.
Adopted at the 3rd National FFA Convention.
Revised at the 38th and 63rd conventions.
Changes in FFA membership
Changes in the Agricultural Industry

4. The Creed Can best be learned in five separate parts.
Several key terms highlighted in red.
Read with conviction and pride

5. The Creed - Part 1
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 agriculturalist; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have com to us from the struggles of former years.

6. The Creed - Part 2
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 can not deny.

7. The Creed - Part 3
I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect for 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 agriculturalists to serve our own and public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

8. The Creed - Part 4
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 other 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.

9. The Creed - Part 5
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 inspired task.

10. What it means – Part 1
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 agriculturalist; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have com to us from the struggles of former years.
Faith in what is yet to come in agriculture, because of what is seen not only said.
The promise of new technology that will lead to a brighter future, even as the life we enjoy is better then the past.

11. What it means – Part 2
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 and inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I can not deny.
Involvement in agriculture and related fields is a challenging and enjoyable life.
Those that share this lifestyle are bonded together with a common purpose.

12. What it means – Part 3
I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect for 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 agriculturalists to serve our own and public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.
Importance of being leaders and respecting others.
Ability to work efficiently and with skill in order to produce and market the product of one labors.

13. What it means – Part 4
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 other 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.
Less dependence on others and a greater ability to earn what is needed.
Giving to others when needed and a better life for all.
Working and living an honest and fair life.

14. What it means – Part 5
I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert and influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspired task.
American agriculture can sustain itself for future generations.
That each person has an influence on others around them.

15. What does it mean to YOU? Which section means the most to you?
Will the FFA creed become your creed?

16. Resources 1998-99 FFA Official Manual FFA Student Handbook (1991)