WHEREAS, Families across Washington depend on the safe and nutritious dairy products provided by the dairy farmers of Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children consume three servings and teens consume four servings of dairy products a day; 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 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 2,708 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 566 million dollars and a total value to Washington's economy of more than one billion dollars; and
     WHEREAS, For every one million dollars in dairy products supports 20 local jobs in farming, processing, distributing, and marketing; and
     WHEREAS, On June 19, 2009, Melissa Cook from the City of Snohomish was crowned the Washington State Dairy Ambassador, and Elizabeth Birklid from King-Pierce counties and Shelby Hansen from Skagit-Island counties were crowned Washington State Alternate Dairy Ambassadors; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the legislature is January 20, 2010, when legislators will visit with Washington dairy producers and enjoy ice cream produced in Washington provided 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 Melissa Cook, alternate Ambassadors Elizabeth Birklid and Shelby Hansen, and the Washington State Dairy Federation.