Academic ProgramsPurdue Students Tackle the Quality of Food Choices at Debate
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
Team Ag Education, consisting of three students from Purdue Universitys department of youth development and agricultural education, won the Townsend Outstanding Communicator in Agriculture Debate Competition held Nov. 6.
The topic of the debate was U.S. consumers have more quality food choices than ever before. Team Ag Education and Team Purdues Paralithic Peds, composed of students from the College of Agricultures soils judging team, took the podium citing sources, giving real-world examples and working to persuade the judges with the hope they would come out on top.
Debating that U.S. consumers do not have more quality food choices than ever before, Team Ag Education consisted of Ryan Wynkoop of Rensselaer, Aaron McKim of Lanesville, and Logan Springstun of Boonville. The runner up team consisted of Cody Fink of Cambridge City, Ashley Bechman of Franklin, and Joyce Lok of Los Angeles, Calif, which argued that U.S. consumers have more quality food choices than ever before. Neither team knew until minutes before the final debate which side they would be arguing for.
Wynkoop, a senior this year, said he was glad that he finally had the opportunity to compete competitively in the debate and would encourage other students to participate in future years.
"Participating in this debate takes time and work, but is definitely worth it," Wynkoop said. "Now, when I go to interviews and meet industry people, Ill be more knowledgeable and will feel more comfortable speaking intelligently about issues facing agriculture."
The speaker award went to Christy Penner of North Manchester, who throughout the day accumulated points based on her speaking abilities, argumentation, structure, style, delivery and persuasion.
Four teams participated in the competition, which was open to all College of Agriculture students. The competition is funded by Wayne Townsend, a distinguished College of Agriculture alum, farmer and former politician. Team Ag Education participants each won a new Dell laptop and Purdues Paralithic Peds participants each won their choice of an Apple iPod nano or a Dell Flip digital video camera. Penner also received her choice of an Apple iPod nano or a Dell Flip digital video camera.
"Not only do students get fun prizes, but the debate gives them a chance to enhance their oral communication, research, critical thinking abilities, teamwork and organizational skills," said Natalie Federer, agricultural communication academic adviser and Townsend debate coordinator. "My hope is that by enhancing these skills, participants become more knowledgeable about the topic and take these skills and utilize them as professionals."
"These skills are also important in making participants more proactive citizens in that they learn to study, question and build arguments about important social and cultural issues."
Allan Talbert, Team Ag Education coach and professor of agricultural education, said that he was proud of his team for all they hard work and preparation the students did.
"As future agriculture science and business teachers, its important that they understand this topic because they will be influencing future consumers," Talbert said.
Teammates Springstun and McKim felt similar. It's very rewarding and enjoyable to be able to discuss and debate topics that relate to your major, Springstun said.
"I was nervous when it came time for the cross-examination, because you have to answer on the spot and make a case for your side," he explained. "But we started preparing for the debate back in September, collecting information and interviewing individuals involved in the food industry so I felt like I knew what I was talking about."
"We debated all afternoon and really honed our message after each debate and in the end, it all paid off."
McKim said the debate not only offered him the chance to broaden his knowledge about ag issues, but also allowed him to work with students that share similar interests.
"Sure, this competition forced me to learn more about the quality of food choices U.S. consumers have available to them, but it also showed me that when you work collectively with individuals like Ryan and Logan you can accomplish your goals," McKim said. "We couldnt have done it without each other."
Judges for the final debate were Charles Hibberd, Purdue Extension director; Corinne Alexander, assistant professor of agricultural economics; Robyn Heine, Dow AgroSciences LLC; and Andy Eubank, Hoosier Ag Today.
JKD/Federer
Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu.
Sources: Natalie Federer, (765) 494-8406, nfederer@purdue.edu.
Allen Talbert, (765) 494-7316, btalbert@purdue.edu
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Purdue University Home Page: http://www.purdue.edu