Maine had 8,926 dairy farms and 98,300 cows in 1959, but the introduction of man

Maine had 8,926 dairy farms and 98,300 cows in 1959, but the introduction of mandatory bulk tanks for milk storage in 1969 caused many farmers to quit, lowering the number of farms to 2,400. There were 2,000 farms and 56,700 cows in 1969, but that number has dwindled to 600 farms and 41,000 cows today. Dyer Valley Farm in North Newcastle, run by George Russell Jr. and son Larry, made a major investment in relocating the operation for both environmental and economic reasons. Austin Moore, owner of Uncas Farm in North Whitefield, gave up dairy farming last year after 25 years, and now grows vegetables, sells hay and keeps a few farm animals. Details, Maine Milk Commission minimum prices