WHEREAS, Families across Washington depend on the safe and nutritious dairy products provided by the dairy farmers of Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, There are approximately 465 family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately 244,000 dairy cows; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state ranks tenth in total milk production in the United States with 662 million gallons annually; and
     WHEREAS, Washington ranks second in milk production per cow with 23,344 pounds of milk per year; and
     WHEREAS, Milk is the second highest dollar-valued agricultural commodity produced in Washington, valued at 1.06 billion dollars; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy farming has an annual economic impact of 4.25 billion dollars; and
     WHEREAS, There are over 12,000 on-farm dairy jobs in 25 counties across Washington, and over 40,000 jobs in the dairy industry in total; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Dairy Ambassadors for 2008-2009 are Ambassador Eryn Edwards of Olympia and alternate Ambassadors Trisha Dykstra, representing Skagit/Island Counties, and Adrienne Schoenbachler of Snohomish County; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the legislature is March 11, 2009, when the legislators will visit with the dairy producers of the state and enjoy ice cream produced in Washington that will be handed out by the Washington State Dairy Federation, 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 Eryn Edwards, alternate Ambassadors Adrienne Schoenbachler and Trisha Dykstra, and the Washington State Dairy Federation.