Historic Maine Dairy Farm Expands Operations While Others Exit Market
Source: DairyNews.today
In a challenging landscape where Maine's dairy industry has seen a third of its farms close since 2020, Brigeen Farms in Turner is implementing an ambitious expansion strategy, demonstrating how modernization and scale can sustain multi-generational dairy operations.
Brigeen Farms has executed a significant growth strategy over two decades:
Expanded from 65 to 580 milking cows
Plans to add 120 more cows
Achieved position as Maine's eighth-largest commercial dairy
Produced 16.1 million pounds of milk in 2023
The Maine dairy sector faces multiple headwinds:
Five farms have closed since April 2024
Average herd size: 70 cows (2022)
Rising operational costs
Labor shortages
Volatile milk prices
Changing consumer preferences
Secured $65,000 matching grant from Maine Farmland Trust
Planning robotic milking system installation
Expanding milk storage facilities
Optimizing facility layout for operational efficiency
To enhance revenue streams, the operation has:
The modernization approach, particularly the adoption of robotic milking systems - currently rare in Maine with only two installations statewide - positions the farm at the forefront of industry innovation. The University of Maine's upcoming third installation further validates this technological direction.
This strategic growth model, while not universally applicable to all Maine dairy operations, demonstrates one pathway for traditional farms to maintain viability in an increasingly challenging market environment.
Expanded from 65 to 580 milking cows
Plans to add 120 more cows
Achieved position as Maine's eighth-largest commercial dairy
Produced 16.1 million pounds of milk in 2023
The Maine dairy sector faces multiple headwinds:
Five farms have closed since April 2024
Average herd size: 70 cows (2022)
Rising operational costs
Labor shortages
Volatile milk prices
Changing consumer preferences
Secured $65,000 matching grant from Maine Farmland Trust
Planning robotic milking system installation
Expanding milk storage facilities
Optimizing facility layout for operational efficiency
To enhance revenue streams, the operation has:
- Established a small compost business
- Launched Canty Cow Creamery for frozen custard production
- Focused on local distribution channels
The modernization approach, particularly the adoption of robotic milking systems - currently rare in Maine with only two installations statewide - positions the farm at the forefront of industry innovation. The University of Maine's upcoming third installation further validates this technological direction.
This strategic growth model, while not universally applicable to all Maine dairy operations, demonstrates one pathway for traditional farms to maintain viability in an increasingly challenging market environment.
