The Farmer’s Field: Focus on Your Roots

I’ve had enough of the political drama, divisiveness and schemes. For me, it has served as a reminder to focus on my roots.

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 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 American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in this inspiring task.

The FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany and outlined above, was adopted by the National FFA Organization – then known as Future Farmers of America – in 1930. 

Each year, thousands of FFA members give the creed as part of their first step in earning their first “degree” in the organization.  

The National FFA Organization has over one million student members who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in all aspects of the agriculture industry, ranging from production to science, innovation, marketing, engineering and regulation.  

But perhaps the most important opportunity students have through the organization is the hands-on training they receive in leadership, teamwork, communication and service.  

As members, students are required to start and maintain a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), which is either a job or business where they are required to show growth, leadership tools and financial progress throughout their FFA career.  

Each step up in the SAE program’s progress is rewarded by a degree, ending with the American FFA Degree, with less than one percent of students earning the award each year.  

Students who earn the American FFA Degree must first hold the State FFA Degree and be an active member for at least the past three years. They must have completed at least three years or 540 hours of high school agricultural education, completed high school graduation with a minimum “C” average and be out of high school for at least 12 months prior to receiving the award.  

They must also have earned a minimum of $10,000 through their SAE – or at least $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours beyond their scheduled school hours – through their SAE. In addition, they must have completed a minimum of 50 hours of community service and demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.  

As a result, over half of all new hires in the agriculture industry are past FFA members.  

This past week, my family and I had the privilege of watching our middle son walk across the stage at the National FFA Convention to receive his American FFA Degree. With over 79,000 attendees, this convention is truly a life-changing experience.  

As a past FFA member and American FFA Degree recipient, I attribute much of my success in life to this amazing organization. It has always served as a reminder of my roots and that my success is largely dependent on my choices, words and actions, not my circumstances. 

FFA and other great organizations in our country always have and will continue to create leaders who live with integrity, grit, respect, and strength of character.

As we enter these last few weeks of 2025, let us be mindful of all the great organizations and people working diligently to help make this world a better place. 

Let us each be mindful of our roots and the things keeping us grounded to remain as healthy, positive, productive and respectful citizens in our communities. 

And, may we all take a moment each day to pray the decisions of our leaders at all levels will be a reflection of the beliefs, ideals and values which have always served as the foundation of our great country.  

Ron Rabou is president of Rabou Farms, Inc. in southeastern Wyoming, a nationally known author, speaker and co-host of the nationally-syndicated podcast AgInspo. For more information, visit raboufarms.com.