Recognizing Washington's dairy farms.

 SENATE RESOLUTION

8688

By Senators Short and Hasegawa

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, Cows were first brought to Washington in 1838; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farms can be found in 27 of Washington's 39 counties; and

WHEREAS, There are 33 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 and three cups of dairy products per day are recommended for people nine years old and older by the United States department of agriculture (USDA) and the United States department of health and human services; and

WHEREAS, There are nearly 260 family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately 257,000 dairy cows; and

WHEREAS, Dairy ranks as the third highest agricultural commodity produced in Washington, with an economic impact valued over one billion dollars; and