THE BARRIERS TO THE FUTURE
by Gary Schaff
West Yellowstone was the host to the "Clean Fuel for the Future" Conference. The conference conducted a number of panel presentations during the two-day program. The first educational panel to present for the conference was titled "Is Ethanol a Part of the Regions Future? Are Barriers Perceived or Real?" Panel members were: Tim Babcock, representing American Agri Technology; Butch Krutzfeld, a cattle rancher from Miles City, MT; and Brian Schweitzer, farmer from Whitefish, MT. Gary Schaff, EPAC board member, moderated the panel.
Tim led off the panel with a few statements regarding the status of American Agri Technology's proposed facility in Great Falls, MT. He praised the collaborative efforts of private industry, city government, state government and federal government to develop the pieces that fit in place to assure the building of an Ethanol plant as well as the expansion of the industry. This is a "Win-Win situation for those involved".
Butch was next with his list of barriers that needed to be addressed by the group in Miles City as they worked towards an Ethanol plant, feedlot and slaughter facility. Barriers listed were permitting process, location selection, environment and labor. He also mentioned some social concerns of fear, greed, envy, competition, cooperation and success. A mirror was passed to the front row audience to exam their own self as barriers or assets to the Ethanol cause. After all "who is the fairest of us all"?
Brian concluded the three-person panel with a strong message for rural development; value added products, sustainable rural agriculture, power of community support and the need for agricultural safety nets. His passion was radiated to the audience as the presentations than turned to questions for panel members from the 100 plus people in attendance.
This group and session led the charge and set the stage for networking and informal visiting amongst conference attendees. A special thank you to these three panelists in leading the charge and sharing with others. |
