Wouldn't it be nice if there were some industry in Miles City? (Other than Wal-Mart, and ersatz gambling halls? We grow food here. How about a food processing industry? We have one, but it's pretty far out of town. Maybe something along the railroad tracks. We could use some jobs to draw some people to maintain orderly growth, rather than disorderly decay. At least that's how I see it

One idea I keep thinking about (and one I stole from some books I read) is that Montana ranchers should get together and form their own brand of beef. It should be fresh, free of hormones and antibiotics (grass fed), lean, loads of flavor and then marketed as such. There is such a huge market for healthy meat and Montana already has the ranching mystic. Other states have done the same thing with great success. Just calling it "Montana Beef" would make it marketable immediately. Keeping it "clean" would make it successful. There has been lots of talk about labeling meat, etc. and this would take the guess work out for many consumers. Maybe somewhere in Montana this is already done, but I haven't seen it.

Jill,
I think you are onto something there. It sounds like a great idea. Since marketing, advertising & all of the work that it takes to develop such a product are needed, perhaps it could be spearheaded by MCC. If the leaders there would be receptive to this then they could perhaps propose this as a project for the students (business, psych, the arts...). It would be super to see something like that happen. Businesses like Trader Joes's, Health Food businesses, and most probably fast food places could be sold on this. Other ideas?
Sue


[This message has been edited by Sue (edited 10/8/2003).]

The main thing is, it would provide much needed jobs for Miles Citizens. When I was driving truck, I often picked up and delivered product/material is places much more out of the way than we are. We have the advantage of good highways to connect us with customers. (Not to Mention the railroad) I think you're on to something.

Heck, I would be happy to buy meat from the store (or the ranch) that contained cow, the whole cow and nothing but the cow, so help me God.

I suspect getting a rancher to change is similar to getting artists to agree. It's like herding cats. ;o)

If the money the rancher makes is about the same, or better, I doubt there would be much resistance. Perhaps someone over at the BLM could help someone apply for a grant or just see if the gov would subsidize it. I agree Tucker, change rarely comes easy for people. The incentive and support usually has to be strong.
I saw in the news that MC is in the running for the "Clean Coal Technology". Maybe you will get your wish in that form Lee.


[This message has been edited by Sue (edited 10/8/2003).]

I think one thing that would be a factor in marketing Montana Brand Beef is the distribution. I suspect the big packing plants have such a stranglehold on the distribution networks that it's hard for newcomers to work their way in. Ask the Miles City restaurant owners where they get their supplies from and I bet you'll find most are dealing with Sysco Foods. The McDonald's type places get their supplies off of their own trucks.

In the good old days the local restaurants used to buy more supplies from local wholesalers but now it is cheaper to buy from Sysco so they do. The "Wal-Mart" type problem that vexes local retailers is a problem at the wholesale level too.

Keeping all of this in mind, though, I think there could still be potential in a premium brand of Montana Beef. I understand that Montana Quality Foods packing plant in Miles City is for sale and that could be a great start for the right-minded entrepreneur.

- Dave

Glad to see that Jim Dighans has started growing and processing potatoes here in America's most beautiful city.
He had the Miles City Greenhouse and Gardens, here in town, that grows wonderful organic tomatoes. Glad to say, according to an Associated Press report, he has sold the greenhouse to his son. So Industry continues to grow and flourish. Value added agriculture! Way to go Jim.

Lee