By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Dairy Summit honored three outstanding dairy professionals with the 2025 Pennsylvania Dairy Industry Awards, recognizing their leadership, service, and excellence.
The awards, presented by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Center for Dairy Excellence, and Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, celebrate individuals making significant contributions to the state’s dairy sector.
The Paxton Family of Irishtown Acres received the Pennsylvania Distinguished Dairy Producer Award. Their six-generation farm, Irishtown Acres, exemplifies leadership and service in Mercer County.
The family is deeply committed to farm safety, hosting workshops and serving on safety committees. They are also actively involved in 4-H, community outreach, and social media engagement, sharing their farm’s story and promoting dairy.
“If you take care of the little things, the big things take care of themselves,” shared Steve Paxton. “My grandmother always said, ‘Find a job you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ That’s the philosophy I live by.”
Raechel Sattazahn of Horizon Farm Credit received the Pennsylvania Dairy Service Award. A strong advocate for young and beginning farmers, Sattazahn has led initiatives like the Ag Biz Masters program and contributed to the Pennsylvania Ag & Food Careers website. She also shares her expertise through writing for Hoard’s Dairyman and speaking at national agricultural hearings.
“The dairy industry has always been a part of my life, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without a connection to dairy,” Sattazahn said. “My greatest hope is that my contributions to the dairy industry have made a positive impact on others’ lives.”
Stephanie and Hayley Painter of The Painterland Sisters received the Pennsylvania Dairy Innovator Award. They have created a successful organic Skyr yogurt brand, distributed nationally, sourcing milk from 25 Pennsylvania dairy farms, including their own.
Painterland Sisters prioritize regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship. They actively participate in industry events, engage with youth, and have been recognized by Forbes’ “30 Under 30.”
“We began our brand for the future of our family’s dairy farm, but now our ‘why’ continues to grow,” shared Hayley Painter. “We aim to connect with consumers on a personal level, sharing not just our yogurt but also our story behind it.”
The Dairy Industry Awards honor individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Pennsylvania dairy industry. Nominations for the next award cycle are accepted throughout the year, closing in November 2025.
Photo Credit: center-for-dairy-excellence
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, General