Senate Resolution No. 1241

BY: Senator HELMING

RECOGNIZING March 21, 2017, as National
Agriculture Day

WHEREAS, Hardworking American farmers provide New York State, the
Nation, and much of the world with a safe, healthy, affordable and
abundant food supply; and

WHEREAS, Farmers boost our local economies by spending locally,
attracting tourism, and keeping money in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture is at the intersection of food, family, health,
community, environment, nature, science, homeland security, economic
concerns, and other significant things we care about; and

WHEREAS, The vast majority of farms and ranches in the United
States, and especially in New York State, are family owned and operated
and have deep historical roots in their communities; one such farm is
Patterson Farms, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, A sixth generation dairy/crop farm, Patterson Farms, Inc.
milks 1,000 cows and crops 2,400 acres; and

WHEREAS, Managed by Connie, Jon and Julie Patterson, the farm
operates a well-diversified and profitable agricultural business capable
of weathering the uncertainty of agriculture today, and is based on its
core values of safety, animal care, integrity and the environment; and

WHEREAS, The Pattersons truly love what they do and are constantly
striving to do great work; they embrace change and are always looking
for new levels of efficiency and productivity; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of their outstanding achievements and their
substantial contributions to the economic vitality of their community
and the entire Empire State, Patterson Farms, Inc. has been the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 2009 Century
Farm Award, the 2006 Lake Friendly Farm Award by the Cayuga Lake
Watershed Network, and the CHP 2009 Energy Star Award by the EPA; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Patterson Farms, Inc. has received a Dairy of
Distinction Award, and was Animal Welfare Certified by the Cayuga County
Soil and Water Conservation District; and

WHEREAS, Farmers provide fresh, locally grown food to our urban
neighborhoods through an increasing number of farmers markets, CSAs, and
urban farms, improving food options in our cities and creating better
understanding between urban and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Farmers can be important stewards of our natural resources,
ensuring clean water, healthy soils and increased use of renewable
energy with sound, sustainable agricultural practices; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture in New York State generates over $5 billion a
year in commodity sales and creates 196,000 jobs on and off the farm;
and

WHEREAS, Though the average age of an American farmer is still 57,
young and beginning farmers are literally putting down roots to be the
next generation to feed our families, and returning veterans are finding
new and healing ways to rebuild their lives through agriculture; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of National Agriculture Day is in
recognition of all the farmers that feed us and our families every day
and of the importance of agriculture as a vital industry and economic
driver in New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize March 21, 2017, as National Agriculture Day, honoring and
recognizing the important contributions of all branches of farming to
the health, economic well-being, environment, beauty, and future of New
York State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Cayuga County Farm Bureau; and Connie, Jon and Julie
Patterson of Patterson Farms, Inc.