"WHY RESEARCH?" 



Research, by definition, is a thorough re-examination 

 of suggesting old and newly found information with the ul- 

 timate purpose of either confirming or overturning existing 

 conclusions. 



Today's world of constant change and new technology 

 is producing the need for more and more research in a 

 maze of different fields. Research costs money, and an 

 expenditure of the green must be justified. 



We have a school of thought today which says that the 

 production of food and fiber in the future will be accom- 

 plished artlfically on a mere portion of the land occupied 

 by agriculture. Another school maintains that a shortage 

 Is inevitable in view of the population explosion, and 

 sufficient land for food production will not exist by 

 the year 2000. In either case, it is apparent that we 

 must proceed now to solve the many problems before us. 

 Research is time-consuming. The answer to one particular 

 problem often produces side-effects; result, another prob- 

 lem. Chemical residues are a good example of this. When 

 PROGRAM & RESEARCH COMMITTEE, MASWCD we wait until the situation is criticial, we often spend 



many times what would have been necessary had we proceeded 

 earlier. 



ROBERT M. ANDERSON 

 CHAIRMAN 



There is a great amount of research being carried on today by various private businesses. 

 State, and U. S. Agencies. A closer liaison and information exchange exists today than in 

 the past. This is encouraging as we cannot afford unnecessary duplication. We must recog- ^B 

 nize, however, that Industry supports a major amount of research under grants for specific 

 purposes. Findings are often guarded for personal use also. Public funds tend to be ex- 

 panded on the wheel with the loudest "squeak". We must keep research people informed of 

 our problems and provide them with the funds to carry out their work. 



Agriculture is the number one industry in our great State. I believe we are justified 

 in seeking the solutions to its many problems. Fertilizer use, under given conditions, 

 chemical use, pollution control, range rennovatlon, plant Improvement, irrigation efficiency, 

 and weed control are but a few of these problems. There are many more. 



Progress is being made, and with dedicated effort from all, we can look to a promising 

 future for agriculture and industry. 



BOB ANDERSON 



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MONTANA YOUTH CONFERENCE ON CONSERVATION 



There will be a Montana Youth Conference on Conservation in Helena, April 26, 1969, 

 according to Dan Hamel, Missoula Hellgate High School, Chairman of the 1969 Youth Conference 

 Planning Committee. , 



The Planning Committee tentatively selected subjects for discussion at the 1969 confer- 

 ence, i. e., legislation, recreation, beautif ication, quality environment, range, soil and 

 water resources. 



The Montana Conservation Council will sponsor the youth conference on conservation in 

 cooperation with the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs and the Montana Federation of Women 'q^^ 

 Clubs. Miss Lillian Hornick, Missoula, Executive Secretary of the Montana Conservation Coun^^^ 

 will serve as conference coordinator. Information regarding the conference mav be obtained by 

 writing the Council, box 175, Missoula 59801. 



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