Amy Brickner is a PA Preferred® dairy farmer, whose Destiny Dairy Bar offers true farm-to-table products in Cumberland County. Bricker bottles creamline, a natural and unhomogenized milk, A2 flavored milk, a gently digestible variety, and the fan favorite, homemade ice cream. She also sells Wagyu dairy cross beef by the piece, tallow products, flowers and other goods. Her cows, goats, pigs and other animals welcome attention from visitors of all ages.
Brickner sees many advantages to being PA Preferred, saying, “Being part of the PA Preferred program allows me to showcase my farm’s commitment to producing high-quality, local dairy products while connecting with consumers who value fresh, sustainably sourced food. The program helps highlight the hard work that goes into our A2 dairy, ice cream and other farm-fresh offerings, making it easier for customers to identify and support Pennsylvania farmers. I also appreciate the opportunities PA Preferred provides for networking, marketing, and growing awareness of our farm’s mission to bring the community closer to where their food comes from.”
Read more about her passion for dairy farming, her continuous evolution and what she believes makes PA such a special place for agriculture:
PA Eats: What do you love about what you do?
Amy Brickner: I am tasked with the care of the most amazing creatures on the planet. I love milking cows because it’s one of the most peaceful and rewarding parts of farming. There’s something special about the rhythm of the milking parlor – the quiet hum of the machines, the steady routine, and the connection with each cow. It’s a time to observe their health, personalities and even their moods. Milking is also a reminder of the bond between farmer and animal, where trust and care lead to high-quality milk. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing that the milk I produce nourishes my community and helps people appreciate the value of locally sourced dairy.
What are your most popular products?
Our customers love the creamy ice cream! They also love all the different fun flavors of milk. I bottle flavors like peach, raspberry and salted caramel, and all have been described as “melted ice cream!”
What challenges do you face, and how do you respond?
Some of the greatest challenges my farm business faces are access to skilled labor, reliable contractors and accessing quality equipment at a price that makes sense for a small-scale operation.
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Skilled Labor: Finding and retaining workers who understand dairy farming and share my passion for animal care and sustainability is a constant struggle. I respond by investing in training, creating a positive work environment and gradually developing team members who can take on more responsibility over time.
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Skilled Contractors: Whether it’s for infrastructure repairs, equipment maintenance or specialized installations, skilled contractors are increasingly hard to find. I try to build long-term relationships with trusted professionals and, when necessary, learn to do certain repairs myself to stay operational.
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Affordable Quality Equipment: As a small-scale business, I need durable, efficient equipment, but many options are built for large-scale farms and come with a hefty price tag. I focus on prioritizing upgrades that offer the best return on investment. I also explore grants, secondhand equipment, and innovative workarounds to make sure I’m getting the most out of my resources. Through adaptability, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to my farm’s mission, I continue to evolve, ensuring that my business remains sustainable and successful despite these ongoing challenges.
What makes Pennsylvania a special place to farm?
Pennsylvania is a special place to dairy farm because it combines a rich agricultural heritage with the infrastructure and market access needed to support a thriving dairy industry. One of PA’s biggest advantages is its proximity to large population centers like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. This means that dairy farmers have direct access to a strong consumer base that values fresh, locally produced milk, cheese and ice cream. The demand for farm-to-table products continues to grow, and being in Pennsylvania allows me to connect with customers who appreciate high-quality, sustainable dairy.Beyond market access, PA has a well-established dairy infrastructure, including milk processors, feed suppliers and veterinary services that make it easier to run a successful dairy operation. The state also provides strong agricultural support, with programs like PA Preferred, grants and extension services that help dairy farmers stay competitive.The combination of fertile land, seasonal climate and a strong farming community makes Pennsylvania an ideal place to produce dairy while staying connected to both rural traditions and modern consumer trends.
What sets your farm apart?
I am a third-generation woman dairy farmer who is the sole owner and operator of the dairy and value added dairy business. I actively seek new ideas and opportunities to engage the community and make each day on the farm better!
Visit Destiny Dairy Bar at 60 Horners Rd., Carlisle; (717) 636-3042 and find its products at the Rt 174 Roadside Market, Central Wedge and Helena’s Café and Crêperie. You can follow Brickner and the farm on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop.
This series was created in collaboration with PA Preferred.
PA Preferred® is Pennsylvania’s statewide branding program that promotes locally grown and processed food and other agricultural products.
- Photos: Destiny Dairy Bar
