“I believe in the future of agriculture.” If you once donned the iconic blue corduroy jacket in your high school days, you recognize these words. Penned by E.M. Tiffany, they mark the beginning of the FFA Creed, a five-paragraph statement that articulates the organization’s values and beliefs regarding the agriculture industry.
A product of FFA myself, I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately about my time within the organization and the path that led me to a fulfilling career.
My story is a typical one: I grew up helping my dad with the cows (the beef kind, not the milking kind), learned horsemanship from my grandparents, took part in showing market steers at our county fair, and actively served and competed in my FFA chapter. While these experiences were all impactful, it was the people behind them who truly shaped my growth and created lasting memories.
This introspection was sparked by Ag Proud – Idaho’s introduction of scholarships for high school seniors pursuing a career in agriculture, with particular emphasis given to those aspiring to contribute to Idaho agriculture. Each applicant brought a unique skill set, dreams and ambitions that made our decision a tough one. From aspiring welders and veterinarians to future ag journalists, a common thread emerged – the profound impact of mentorship in their agricultural journey, mirroring my own experience.
One applicant shared, "The best mentors I've ever had were part of the agriculture community. A few examples of this are my dad and grandpa, who taught me patience and perseverance. My high school agriculture teacher was also a big mentor to me. She taught me many different life skills, and with patience, I grew in my understanding of agriculture and truly found my passion because of these people."
Another applicant reminisced about learning to ride horses from her grandfather, saying, “He taught me that only real cowgirls are the ones that have been bucked off a horse. Every time I came out of the saddle, I would proudly say, ‘I am a real cowgirl.’” A life lesson of resilience – to “get back on” when things don’t go as she had hoped.
Another expressed their desire to continue their family's ranching legacy, cherishing the shared experiences and envisioning a future of growth alongside their grandfather and father. "I have shared so many experiences with them on the ranch, and to come back and help grow this family ranch would just be so amazing," they wrote.
To all those who invest time and effort in mentoring youth in agriculture: Your impact not only inspires individual careers but also contributes to the collective strength of Idaho’s agricultural economy. I can think of numerous individuals in my circle and community who generously donate to livestock projects, sacrifice personal and family time to mold leaders through programs like 4-H and FFA, mentor neighbor kids with a curiosity toward agriculture, incorporate teaching moments with their own children in everyday routines, help coach livestock judging teams, and farms that welcome school classes to tour their operations.
Thank you for investing in our youth, who represent the future of agriculture in Idaho. Because of your dedication and guidance, I can say “I believe in the future of agriculture.”
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