Farmer Profile: Painterland Sisters

Written by Alison Garber- Executive Support and Communications Manager, PCO

The Painterland Sisters: Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers

In the heart of Northern Pennsylvania, on a fourth-generation organic dairy and crop farm, two sisters are revolutionizing the way consumers connect with their food. Hayley and Stephanie Painter, co-founders of Painterland Sisters, have embarked on a mission not just to sustain their family farm but to change the narrative around organic dairy farming. Through their organic skyr yogurt brand, they are proving that organic farming and business can coexist with a greater purpose—keeping farmers farming while educating consumers on the value of organic agriculture.

From Farm to Spoon: The Birth of Painterland Sisters

Growing up on Painterland Farms in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Hayley and Stephanie were immersed in the rhythms of farm life. Their family’s farm has always embraced organic and regenerative agriculture, prioritizing sustainable practices that benefit the land, animals, and consumers alike. However, the instability of the dairy market posed a challenge. “We needed an outlet for our milk, and we needed to take control of our own destinies,” Stephanie explained.

With this motivation, the sisters launched Painterland Sisters, an organic dairy brand focused on producing high-quality skyr yogurt sourced from their farm and their neighboring family-owned organic dairy farms in Pennsylvania and New York. Currently, they are supporting approximately 25 other farms. The brand is built on a foundation of transparency, sustainability, and the desire to bridge the growing gap between consumers and farmers.

Organic Farming: A Financial and Ethical Decision

Many assume that organic farming is purely a philosophical choice, but for the Painter family, it was also a financial one. Their transition to organic farming in the early 2000s was not just about environmental sustainability—it was also about economic viability. “We realized that organic was the best financial move for our farm. The cost of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was not only expensive, but it also didn’t align with how we wanted to treat our land and animals,” Hayley noted.

Organic certification ensures that dairy cows are raised according to the National Organic Standards and at Painterland Sisters, the cows graze on organically certified pasture, consuming a diet rich in natural forages rather than processed feeds. This practice results in milk with higher nutritional value and a more sustainable farming model. “Our cows live longer, the nutrients in our milk are higher, and we create a more holistic farming cycle that benefits everyone involved—from the farmer to the consumer,” said Stephanie.

Beyond Business: Advocacy and Education

For the Painterland Sisters, their brand is more than just yogurt; it is a platform for advocacy. They actively participate in initiatives such as the Pennsylvania Organic Center of Excellence and Pennsylvania’s Preferred Organic Program, ensuring that organic dairy farming continues to grow within the state of Pennsylvania. “Fewer than 15% of people say they know a farmer”,” Hayley pointed out. “We want to change that by connecting people directly to their food source.”

One of the key ways they accomplish this is through consumer education. The Painterland Sisters brand can be seen at events and trade shows across the country and their skyr yogurt packaging itself tells a story—each cup features an inviting label with an interactive coloring page for children, designed to spark curiosity about farming from a young age. “If we can teach kids where their food comes from in a fun and engaging way, we’re planting seeds of understanding that will grow with them,” Stephanie added.

Moreover, the sisters work directly with other farmers to encourage organic transition. Through their partnership with Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) and the TOPP(Transition to Organic Partnership) program, they help farmers navigate certification processes and encourage them to take advantage of transition assistance programs. “Many farmers are already practicing organic methods without realizing it. We help them see that the switch is not as daunting as it seems,” Hayley explained.

A Nationwide Impact

Despite starting their company in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Painterland Sisters have managed to expand rapidly. Their yogurt is now available in over 4,000 stores across all 50 states, a feat that underscores the demand for high-quality organic dairy products. “Seeing Pennsylvania organic milk in stores nationwide is one of our proudest moments,” said Stephanie. “It’s proof that what we’re doing matters.”

The sisters also take pride in supporting fellow farmers who have joined their supply chain. “When we first started, even before we had a product on the shelves, farmers—both organic and conventional—were asking how they could be part of this movement. That kind of trust and belief in what we’re building is incredibly motivating,” Hayley said.

The Future of Painterland Sisters

Looking ahead, the Painterland Sisters are not slowing down. They are in the process of expanding their consumer outreach and engagement programs in a continued effort to reach communities across the country, “We want to meet people where they are—whether that’s at trade shows, community events, or through digital storytelling,” said Hayley.

Additionally, they are continuously exploring new ways to educate and inspire. Their partnership with organizations like the Organic Trade Association ensures they can back up their marketing with credible, research-backed information on organic benefits. “Our goal is to make it easy for consumers to choose organic—not just because it’s better for them, but because they understand the bigger picture of what it means for farmers and the planet,” Stephanie emphasized.

A Mission-Driven Business

The Painterland Sisters are not just business owners; they are changemakers in the organic dairy industry. By combining their deep-rooted farming values with a modern, consumer-focused brand, they have created a model that benefits both ends of the food chain.

“We’re storytellers, we’re educators, and we’re farmers at heart,” Hayley concluded. “And if we can inspire more people to support family-owned organic farms and sustainable agriculture, then we’ve done our job.”

With passion, perseverance, and a clear mission, the Painterland Sisters are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable food system—one spoonful of skyr yogurt at a time.