BySenators Becker, Warnick, Brown, King, Short, Fortunato, Walsh, Padden, Honeyford, Bailey, Wagoner, Ericksen, Zeiger, Wilson, L., and Holy

WHEREAS, The first creamery in Washington was started in Cheney in 1880; and

WHEREAS, Washington's dairy industry is actually older than the state itself; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farms can be found in twenty-nine of Washington's thirty-nine counties; and

WHEREAS, There are thirty-three certified organic dairies in Washington; and

WHEREAS, Families across Washington have depended on the safe and nutritious dairy products provided by the dairy farmers of Washington state for generations; and

WHEREAS, Dairy is an essential part of a healthy diet, is one of the major food groups represented on the United States Department of Agriculture's "MyPlate" dietary guidelines, and three cups of dairy products per day are recommended for people nine years old and older; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately three hundred eighty family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately two hundred seventy-four thousand dairy cows; and

WHEREAS, Dairy ranks as the second highest agricultural commodity produced in Washington, with a direct economic impact valued at three hundred seventeen million dollars; and

WHEREAS, Washington is the tenth largest total milk producer among the fifty United States; and

WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the legislature takes place on January 30, 2019, when legislators will visit with Washington dairy producers and enjoy delicious dairy products that are produced in Washington and 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 Abigail Zurcher, alternate Ambassadors Rebecca Ford and Jacoba VanSlageren, Dairy Farmers of Washington, and the Washington State Dairy Federation.