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.