October 12, 2007
Students to debate the future of Indiana's rural economy
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Townsend Outstanding Communicator in Agriculture Debate Competition will take place Nov. 8 with students taking on the topic of whether or not the future of Indiana's rural economy depends on agriculture.The debate, which will be in Purdue University's Pfendler Hall, is open to teams of undergraduate students enrolled in the Purdue College of Agriculture. Four teams will compete.
The winning team will receive $750 and a trophy. The second place team will receive $500, and the best overall speaker will be awarded $100 and a plaque. Funding for the competition is provided by Wayne Townsend, a distinguished Purdue Agriculture alumnus, farmer and former politician.
"The Townsend debate is a great opportunity for agriculture students to voice their thoughts and opinions on this topic in a fun, informal and competitive atmosphere," said Natalie Federer, agricultural communication academic adviser and Townsend debate coordinator. "Participating in the debate gives students a chance to polish up their communication, research and team skills."
Debates will begin at 1 p.m. in Pfendler Hall, and the final debate will be at 7 p.m. in the Deans Auditorium of Pfendler Hall. Guest judges for the competition include Sam Cordes, co-director of Purdue's Center for Regional Development, and Mike Baise, Indiana Farm Bureau director of issues management.
The debates are free and open to the public. More information is available online at https://www.ydae.purdue.edu/townsend/ or by contacting Federer at (765) 494-8406.
Source: Natalie Federer, (765) 494-8406, nfederer@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
To the News Service home page