WHEREAS, Families across Washington depend on the safe and nutritious dairy products provided by the dairy farmers of Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy is an essential part of a healthy diet, is one of the major food groups represented on the USDA's "MyPlate" dietary guidelines, and three cups of dairy products are recommended daily for people nine years and older; and
     WHEREAS, The Dairy Farmers of Washington are cotitle sponsors of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Championship Tournaments, a program that cultivates and recognizes dedicated and talented young scholars, athletes, musicians, thespians, dancers, and their coaches; and
     WHEREAS, There are approximately 480 family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately 262,000 dairy cows; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state ranks tenth in total milk production in the United States, with 723 million gallons annually; and
     WHEREAS, Washington ranks fourth in milk production per cow, with 2,760 gallons of milk per year; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy foods constitute the second highest dollar-valued agricultural commodity produced in Washington, with a direct economic impact valued at 2.3 billion dollars and a total value to Washington's economy of more than 5.2 billion dollars; and
     WHEREAS, Every one million dollars in dairy products produced supports 20 local jobs in farming, processing, distributing, and marketing; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the legislature is January 29, 2014, when legislators will visit with Washington dairy producers and enjoy ice cream produced in Washington provided by the Dairy Farmers of Washington, Washington State Dairy Women, and the state and county Dairy Ambassadors;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledge and honor the women and men whose work on dairy farms throughout Washington has contributed much to the strength and vitality of our economy, the character of our communities, and the general well-being of our citizens; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Washington State Dairy Ambassador Erin Peek, alternate Ambassadors Annie Birklid and Olivia Zurcher, and the Washington State Dairy Federation.