Real Estate and Development in the Northern Rockies

Agriculture, Local Food and Open Space at the New West Conference

By Jonathan Weber , 10-13-08

Preserving agricultural lands and open space in the face of rapid growth is something most people in the Northern Rockies consider vitally important. It’s not always clear how to make that happen - but innovative farmers, ranchers and community planners are finding a variety of new approaches.

At the New West conference next week, the session on this topic will feature Bob Quinn, an organic farmer from Big Sandy, who will discuss how he’s built a business based on agricultural strategies and product development that are nothing less than revolutionary; Jim Hagenbarth, whose ranching operations span the Montana - Idaho border near Dillon, who will talk about how he’s making it work in an era when many ranchers feel they have no choice but to sell out; Paul Hubbard, who will show how the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition is supporting local food and farming in Missoula; and Jennifer Zung, a planner from Driggs, Idaho, who will talk about how development and open space can in fact be compatible.

The conference, Real Estate and Development in the Northern Rockies, takes place next week, Oct. 23-24 in Missoula. The two-day event will examine a host of issues associated with real estate, land use and growth and change in the region. It’s our third annual event, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Check out all the details at www.newwest.net/realestate08.

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