The first assignment of each new FFA member is to memorize and recite in front of their peers the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany.
It has become a rite of passage that usually transforms nervous freshmen into confident and articulate FFA members. Bailey Trujillo completed this assignment on her first day as an FFA member. Even more remarkable is that she recited the first paragraph at the tender age of three. “My dad taught Ag for 15 years, so I just grew up in FFA, and I always knew I was going to be an FFA member, and the creed has always been a huge part of me,” Trujillo said.
For most green hand (first year) FFA members, there is a great sense of relief when they complete that first assignment. For some, it ignites a passion for public speaking, and they go on to compete in the creed speaking contest. The Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) recognizes FFA members for their ability to present the creed from memory and answer three questions related to it. Trujillo has recited the creed hundreds of times winning district and state competitions. Trujillo was then eligible to compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this past October, advancing through three rounds of the competition on her way to clenching the national title.
In an interview 20 years after writing the creed, Tiffany gave credit for the success of the creed to the organization itself, stating, “I have often said it is the organization that has made the Creed what it is; and, it is the work of the members and the leaders that has made the organization what it is. Without these, the Creed itself would be meaningless. With them, I may, and I fervently hope that it does contribute vitally to the spirit which is essential to achievement.”
The FFA Creed outlines the organization’s values and beliefs regarding the industry of agriculture, FFA membership, and citizenship and patriotism. Each of the five paragraphs of the creed start with “I believe…” Great achievement starts with a vision and is the product of focused intensity over time. It is our beliefs that sustain us on that journey of turning a vision into reality and most of all confidence in ourselves. When speaking of her achievement Trujillo said, “I hope that people who walk into this Ag classroom know that you can do anything you set your mind to. Having the belief in yourself makes all the difference.”
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.
Article written by Stuart Joy and originally published in Focus on Artesia 2025 Summer edition.
Stuart Joy
Stuart Joy is an Artesia FFA alumnus who now is an entrepreneur, engineer, and farmer. Together with his wife, Allyson, and three daughters, he most enjoys sharing his love for agriculture with the community at Heirloom Acres each fall.
