WHEREAS, The state's dairy industry began in 1836 when cows were first brought to what was later to become the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The first creamery in Washington was started in Cheney in 1880, when cattle outnumbered territorial residents by a ratio of more than two to one; and
     WHEREAS, The dairy industry presently consists of approximately 620 farms that provide a home to nearly 250,000 cows; and
     WHEREAS, All seven principal dairy cow breeds found in North America are present today in Washington. The breeds are Holstein, Guernsey, Jersey, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorn, and Dutch Belted; and
     WHEREAS, Washington dairies produce more milk per cow than is produced in any other state, with a current average of 22,644 pounds of milk per cow per year; and
     WHEREAS, Dairy ranks second only to apples among the largest agricultural industries in the state, with 4,000 jobs on dairy farms and another 40,000 jobs supporting the industry in processing, distribution, marketing, and support services; and
     WHEREAS, Washington dairy farmers are recognized within the industry as being among the most efficient and technologically advanced in the world; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State Dairy Ambassador Jennifer Rohrer of Ridgefield and Alternate Dairy Ambassadors Amy Moe of Mount Vernon and LeAnne Poier of Sultan are representing the dairy industry with distinction as the reigning Washington State Dairy Ambassador and Ambassador Alternates; and
     WHEREAS, Citizens throughout the state honor this special industry with the annual Dairy Day celebration;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of 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 state's 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 Jennifer Rohrer and Alternate Ambassadors Amy Moe and LeAnne Poier, and the Washington Dairy Products Commission.