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 3rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd Convention.

Greenhand & Senior FFA Creed Rules

1. The event will include both an oral presentation as well as answering questions directly related to the creed.

2. Members will present the FFA Creed from the current year's FFA Manual.

3. The event will be a timed activity with four minutes for presentation. After four minutes, contestants will be deducted 1 point for every second over set time.

4. The event will include oral questions. There will be a maximum of three questions per contestant with a time limit of five minutes.  The same questions will be asked to all contestants. These questions will be thought-type questions directly related to the Creed.

5. No props can be used

6. Each contestant must recite the FFA Creed from memory. Each contestant shall begin the presentation by stating. "The FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany." Each contestant shall end the presentation with the statment, "...that inspiring task. Thank you."

7. Each judge will score each participate on the delivery of the Creed, using the score sheet provided.

8. Ties will first be broken by total net scores and then by the score for answer to the questions.

9. Eligibility

      Greenhand-limited to students in 7th, 8th, and 9th

      Senior-open to all students

25. What prompted you to participate in this contest?