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.