Judges have selected four Purdue Agriculture student winners for the 2022-2023 Townsend Communication in Agriculture competition. Each winner will receive a $1,000 award for their entries in writing and presentational speaking.
Sydney Altman, a senior Agricultural Communication major from Chalmers, Indiana, won for her creative essay entry, “The Livestock Industry, A Family Away from Home.” Altman said she plans to pursue a career in both youth outreach and the swine industry after earning her degree.
Kylie Bedel, a sophomore with majors in Agribusiness and in Animal Sciences from Evansville, Indiana, won for presentational speaking entry, “I Am the Farmer.” Bedel said she wants to leave her footprint in the industry to help with sustainability and production efficiency.
Allison Lund, a junior Agricultural Communication major from Cambridge, Wisconsin, won for her informative writing entry, “Make Fire Prevention a Priority on Your Farm.” Lund said she hopes to pursue a career in agricultural journalism after graduation.
Shelby Whitaker, a junior from Valparaiso, Indiana, with majors in Agricultural Communication and in Sales and Marketing, won for her presentational speaking entry, “Aquaponics: A Sustainable Future.” Whitaker said she hopes to pursue a marketing career to advocate for farmers and educate others about agriculture.
Sydney Altman 
Kylie Bedel 
Allison Lund 
Shelby Whitaker The Townsend Communication in Agriculture Program recognizes and develops excellence in professional speaking and writing about science, agriculture, and natural resources. Entrants are undergraduates in the Purdue College of Agriculture. The competition is in honor of the W. Wayne Townsend family of Indiana. The late Mr. Townsend ran as the Democratic Party’s candidate for Indiana governor in 1984 and started his leadership career at Purdue, ultimately serving on the Purdue Board of Trustees for 15 years.
Details for entering the 2023-2024 competition will be announced this fall.
