Purdue Agriculture students debate merits of organic food
Team BBC took first place in the 2009 Townsend Debate at Purdue. Team members include, from left, Bruce Cooley, Christy Penner and Beau Williamson. (Purdue University photo)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Team BBC, a group of students from the departments of Agricultural Communication, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Agricultural Economics, won the 2009 Townsend Outstanding Communicator in Agriculture Debate Competition at Purdue University.
Participants in this year's debate discussed whether organic food is a better choice for consumers. The competition was open to student teams in the College of Agriculture.
Beau Williamson of Clovis, Calif., a member of the winning team, said participation in a debate like this one is important because it helps participants examine both sides of an issue.
"The most effective communicators are those that take time to see both sides of an issue, rather than making a judgment at first glance," Williamson said. "In the end, it makes us better prepared to defend our position and educate our audience about the truths on the issue."
Second place went to Team Seth, composed of students from the departments of Forestry and Natural Resources, Agricultural Economics, and Agronomy.
Arguing against organic food as a better choice for consumers, Team BBC consisted of Williamson, Christy Penner of North Manchester, Ind., and Bruce Cooley of Greenfield, Ind. Team Seth consisted of Kim Hoeing of Rushville, Ind., Seth Harden of Frankfort, Ind., and Samantha Ambrose of Ladoga, Ind., who argued in favor of organic food.
All participants conducted research and interviews and collected resources in support of both sides of the issue. Neither team knew until a few minutes before the debate whether they were to argue for or against the topic.
"Many of the students in the competition have strong biases, but participating in the debate forces them to look at agriculture from multiple angles," said Natalie Federer, agricultural communication academic adviser and the debate's coordinator. "All participants are encouraged to read and think critically about the debate topic as they are conducting research and organizing their evidence."
Chelsey Mann
Speaker points were given throughout the competition for each participant based on speaking ability, attitude, voice, eye contact and argument content. The top individual speaker award went to Chelsey Mann, an agricultural education student from Cloverdale, Ind.
Team BBC received mini laptops for placing first. Team Seth received iPod Nanos. Mann earned a digital camera for the top speaker award.
Ambrose said that she not only learned about the structure and skills needed in a debate, but also about organic agriculture.
"I would have probably never done so much research on this topic since I'm usually considered on the con side," Ambrose said. "I've learned a lot about the subject as far as what organic really stands for versus the stereotypical look.
Judges for the final debate were: Corinne Alexander, a Purdue agricultural economist with an organic marketing background; Kevin Keener of Purdue's Department of Food Science; Andy Eubank, Hoosier Ag Today farm broadcaster; and Andy Dietrick, Indiana Farm Bureau's public relations team leader.
Funding for the debate competition is provided by Wayne Townsend, a
Writer: Elise Brown, 765-496-7481, brown222@purdue.edu
Sources: Natalie Federer, 765- 494-8406, nfederer@purdue.edu
Samantha Ambrose, skambros@purdue.edu
Beau Williamson, bwilliamson@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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