Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 N OV E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 6 F O C U S FA M I LY - OW N E D B U S I N E S S "He's an incredible fabricator and designer and can build truck bodies and save us tens of thousands of dol- lars," says Jake. "I try to be extremely productive with our animals, so we can run very efficiently, all the while creating a better place for our employ- ees and community. It's my goal that all the employees be proud of what they're doing and to have the support of our community." As a voice for the next generation of farmers, Carmen Fisher engages with state officials to support farm stabilization programs while educat- ing the public on where their food comes from. "Maine has lost a third of its dairy farms," Fisher says. "It's a pretty pro- found loss. It's not because someone wakes up and says, 'I don't want to do this anymore.' It's because it's not feasible anymore. A lot of the younger generation wants to do it, but it's not financially viable for them." Says Alden Fisher, "We have to be careful. You have to keep your farming simple. You have to be sensible in how you spend your money." L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t l s c h r e i b e r @ m a i n e b i z . b i z Crane & Rigging Services • Millwright Machinery Moving • Trucking • Warehousing Cranes up to 300 Ton Capacity A Family-Owned Maine Company Since 1966! 2980 Hotel Road Auburn, Maine 04210 www.cotecrane.com Cote Crane & Rigging Visit Patrons.com to find an independent agent near you. We've been in business nearly 150 years and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU VALUE Forward-looking solutions for modern business challenges. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Jeff Bragg with his son Jake in the dry cow barn at Rainbow Valley Farm. The Bragg family has implemented numerous improvements, including expansion of the milk room for on-farm processing.

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