Because some zones in a shale play don't contribute as much production as others, the ability to evaluate zones' attributes using programs such as the Earth Model can prove beneficial in the long run. A zone that doesn't produce much--or at all--in the beginning could later be the main contributor, said Randy A. Foutch, chairman and CEO of Laredo Petroleum. He shared the screen with Richard C. Buterbaugh, CFO and executive vice president of Laredo.