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 437 family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately 273,000 dairy cows; and

WHEREAS, Washington state ranks ninth in total milk production in the United States, producing 6,584 million pounds annually; and

WHEREAS, Washington ranks sixth in milk production per cow at 24,117 pounds of milk per year; and

WHEREAS, Milk is the second highest dollar-valued agricultural commodity produced in Washington, valued at 1.28 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 39 counties across Washington, and over 18,066 jobs in the dairy industry in total; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Dairy ambassadors for 2015-2016 are Ambassador Nicole Buell of Marysville and alternate ambassadors Lynda Johnson of Ethel and Amanda Howe of Lynden; and

WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the Legislature is January 27, 2015, when legislators will visit with the dairy producers of the state and enjoy ice cream 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 Nicole Buell, alternate ambassadors Lynda Johnson and Amanda Howe, and the Washington State Dairy Federation.