LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 2016 as Dairy Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2016 as Dairy Month in the State of
New York; in addition, Dairy Day will be recognized on Tuesday, June 14,
2016; and
WHEREAS, Agriculture continues to rank as the number one industry in
New York State, with dairy farms across the State; and
WHEREAS, The dairy industry is the single largest sector of New York
State's vast and diverse agricultural industry, accounting for over 45
percent of the State's farm cash receipts from all products; and
WHEREAS, New York has more than 600,000 dairy cows which produce over
12 billion pounds of milk annually, and ranks third among states in
total milk production; and
WHEREAS, The value added to New York's economy by agriculture accounts
for more than $4.7 billion annually, with nearly half of that amount
coming from the direct sale of dairy products by New York farmers; and
WHEREAS, The dairy industry is an integral segment of New York State's
economy and 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 technolo-
gy; and
WHEREAS, New York's milk and dairy products have been shown to promote
weight loss, build strong bones and promote overall better health; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
acknowledge the contributions of the dairy industry and New York's dairy
farmers, and to join with farmers and consumers all across the State to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2016 as Dairy
Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.