“I believe in the future of agriculture...” Most FFA members are used to hearing this phrase, but this year at the 82nd annual Texas FFA Convention there is a new beginning. “Creo en el porvenir de la agricultura...”

The FFA Creed was adopted as the official creed at the third National Convention in 1930. Once Puerto Rico became a state association in 1932, the FFA Creed was in need of a Spanish version. The ideas conveyed in the five paragraph belief statement transcend geography, language, race and ethnicity. For the first year, Texas FFA has adopted the Spanish Creed Speaking Contest.

In the last census, 29% of Texans indicated the Spanish language is spoken in their home. It is projected between the years 2025 and 2030, Spanish speakers will dominate the English speakers according to the Texas Data Center and the United States Census Bureau.

The Texas FFA Association offered the opportunity for members to compete in a Spanish version of the Creed Speaking Event. The preliminary competition was held on Monday at the American Bank Center. The top 10 finalist were announced and competed yesterday. 

“The best thing about reciting the creed is that it expresses my feeling towards the public; it is also my inspiration,” Vanessa Calderon from Mission FFA said. “I feel the Spanish language is dying and this will be a good way for me to promote the language.”When Vanessa found out she made it to the finals she was excited for the opportunity to be the first student to represent Mission FFA. Vanessa was awarded first place in the first annual Spanish Creed Speaking Contest held during the Texas FFA annual convention.
 


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