achievements won

by the present

and past

generations of

agriculturalists;

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 agriculturalists 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.