WHEREAS, There are approximately 600 family dairy farms in Washington State with approximately 244,000 dairy cows; and
     WHEREAS, The average herd size in Washington State is approximately 380 cows; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State ranks 9th in total milk production in the United States with 5.6 billion pounds annually; and
     WHEREAS, Per cow production in Washington State ranks second in the United States with 22,753 pounds of milk and 835 pounds of butterfat; and
     WHEREAS, Washington dairy farmers are recognized within the industry as being the most efficient and technologically advanced farmers in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, Milk processing jobs help to expand employment in Washington State – every 1 million dollars in finished milk product is responsible for 20 jobs; and
     WHEREAS, Dairying was ranked the second largest agricultural commodity in Washington State in 2002 with a value of over 674 million dollars; and
     WHEREAS, The annual economic effect of dairy farming in Washington is estimated at 4.5 billion dollars; and
     WHEREAS, The dairy farmers of Washington are working hard to provide safe, nutritious dairy products for the families of Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Dairy Ambassadors for 2003-2004 are Ambassador Amy Jemelka from Centralia and Alternate Ambassadors Lisa Boon from Mount Vernon and Josie Hansen from Stanwood, Washington; and
     WHEREAS, State Dairy Ambassador Amy Jemelka will address the Washington State Senate on February 16, 2004, in the Senate Chambers; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the Legislature will be February 18, 2004, when the legislators will visit with the dairy producers of the state and enjoy the 2,500 ice cream bars that will be handed out by the Washington State Dairy Federation and the State and County Dairy Princesses.
     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 Amy Jemelka, Alternate Ambassadors Lisa Boon and Josie Hansen, and the Washington Dairy Products Commission.