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 480 family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately 266,000 dairy cows; and

WHEREAS, Washington state ranks tenth in total milk production in the United States with 6,336 million pounds annually; and

WHEREAS, Washington ranks fifth in milk production per cow, with 23,820 pounds of milk per year; and

WHEREAS, Milk is the second highest dollar-valued agricultural commodity produced in Washington, valued at 2.36 billion dollars; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farming has an annual economic impact of 5.2 billion dollars; and

WHEREAS, There are over 6,184 on-farm dairy jobs in 30 counties across Washington, and over 12,159 jobs in the dairy industry in total; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Dairy Ambassadors for 2014-2015 are Ambassador Janis DeJager of Everson and alternate Ambassadors Marissa Apperson of Rochester and Marcy Bartelheimer of Snohomish; and

WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the Legislature is January 28, 2015, when the legislators will visit with the dairy producers of the state and enjoy ice cream 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 Janis DeJager, alternate Ambassadors Marissa Apperson and Marcy Bartelheimer, and the Washington State Dairy Federation.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8608,

adopted by the Senate

January 28, 2015

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate