November 11, 2008

Purdue students tackle the quality of food choices at debate

The topic of the debate was whether U.S. consumers have more quality food choices than ever before. Team Ag Education and Team Purdue's Paralithic Peds, composed of students from the College of Agriculture's soils judging team, took the podium citing sources, giving real-world examples and working to persuade the judges.

Arguing 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 taking.

Wynkoop, a senior, said he was glad he 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, I'll be more knowledgeable and will feel more comfortable speaking 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. Wayne Townsend, a distinguished College of Agriculture alum, farmer and former politician funded the competition. Team Ag Education participants each won a new Dell laptop and Purdue's 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.

Allan Talbert, Team Ag Education coach and professor of agricultural education, said he was proud of his team for their hard work and preparation.

"As future agriculture science and business teachers, it's 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 said. "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 agricultural 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 couldn't 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.

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

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

To the News Service home page