LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Adrian Ooms upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Distinguished Service to Agriculture
Award by the New York Farm Bureau on December 10, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States is dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of food products; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Adrian Ooms upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award by the New York Farm Bureau
celebrated on Thursday, December 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award was bestowed upon Adrian Ooms for his
incredible drive and commitment to the New York Farm Bureau and agricul-
ture in this state; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, Adrian Ooms and his family immigrated to the United
States from the Netherlands; two years later, he established a dairy
farm with his father and brothers, continuing a family tradition dating
back to the 1500s; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Adrian Ooms and his brother assumed ownership of the
Farm; currently, he manages A. Ooms and Sons Dairy Farm with three of
his sons, Ron, Tim and Eric; and
WHEREAS, In the beginning, Adrian Ooms' farm consisted of just 300
acres and 55 cows; today, the A. Ooms and Sons Dairy Farm is comprised
of a herd of 475 Holsteins and 2,000 acres of grass, alfalfa, and corn,
from which the Ooms family produces all their own feed; and
WHEREAS, In 1956, A. Ooms and Sons Dairy Farm began selling milk to
Agri-Mark; six decades later, with the help of his sons, and their chil-
dren, as well as nine employees, the Farm produces more than 24,000
gallons of premium award-winning milk every week; and
WHEREAS, Adrian Ooms has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Adrian Ooms has twice served as Colum-
bia County Farm Bureau President, and has volunteered on the state Dairy
and Membership Committees; in addition, he is a longtime member of the
Cooperative Extension and local Agway co-op; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of our farmers as they continue their hard work of cultivating
the land, facing the many challenges of nature such as flood, drought
and heat, in order to grow our food; and
WHEREAS, Through his diligence and expertise in farming, Adrian Ooms
has brought pride and recognition to himself, his local community, and
to our great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Adrian Ooms upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award by the New York Farm
Bureau on December 10, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Adrian Ooms.