September 2010 Issue of Texas Monthly

I recently read the September 2010 issue of "Texas Monthly." In this issue, there is a very well-written article about the recent oil boom in Midland. I find it very interesting because it sums up the oil business in Midland over the last few decades. In past times, there have been two geological zones in which oil companies have targeted there drilling. These two zones are the Spraberry and the Wolfcamp zones. Recently, Dennis Phelps, an engineer for Henry Petroleum began experimenting with drilling in a medium zone known as the "Wolfberry." This zone is between the Spraberry and the Wolfcamp. For years, oil companies have stayed away from this zone due to the shear density of the rock in the Wolfberry. It was majority consensus among oil men that this zone would never produce. Phelps broke the barrier in Wolfberry drilling and began a new boom in West Texas. Also included in this article are numerous stories and personalities from Midland. Many of the men featured in this article are friends of mine and I am honored to know some of the leaders of this new movement.