Assembly Resolution No. 587

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Dairy Month;
and

WHEREAS, In 1937, National Dairy Month began as National Milk Month
to promote drinking milk and help stabilize dairy demand when production
was at a surplus; and

WHEREAS, National Dairy Month has developed into an annual
tradition, celebrating the worldwide contributions of the dairy
industry; and

WHEREAS, National Dairy Month celebrates the safe, healthy,
high-quality, and most importantly, delicious dairy products we have in
abundance in the United States, thanks to the hard work and commitment
of our dairy farmers; and

WHEREAS, In New York State, agriculture continues to rank as one of
the top industries, and with dairy farms extending across the State, New
York ranks fifth among states in total milk production; and

WHEREAS, New York State has more than 2,800 dairy farms with
approximately 630,000 dairy cows which produce more than 16 billion
pounds of milk annually; New York leads the nation in the production of
cottage cheese, yogurt, and sour cream; and

WHEREAS, According to the New York State Department of Agriculture
and Markets, the State saw the loss of more than 250 dairy farms between
2022 and 2023, a statewide cause for concern as dairy is an integral
segment of New York State's agricultural sector and economy; and

WHEREAS, Approximately half the sales of New York State agricultural
products comes from the direct sale of dairy products by New York
farmers; and

WHEREAS, The dairy industry is a major employer of labor from all
phases of production through marketing of milk and dairy products; and

WHEREAS, New York's dairy farmers have historically been the
stewards of the land, contributing to the State's diverse agricultural
landscapes through responsible conservation practices and investments in
technology; and

WHEREAS, New York's milk and dairy products are packed with
important nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins, potassium,
and Vitamin D and are an excellent source of protein; consuming milk and
other dairy products may even reduce the risk for high blood pressure,
osteoporosis, and certain cancers, as well as help build and repair

muscle tissue, maintain healthy skin, and provide natural nutrients;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month
in the State of New York and acknowledge the contributions of the dairy
industry and New York's dairy farmers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.