Senate Resolution No. 2201

BY: Senator RITCHIE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 2017, as Dairy Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Dairy Month in the
State of New York; in addition, Dairy Day will be recognized on
Wednesday, June 7, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture continues to rank as the number one industry in
New York State, and with dairy farms across the State, New York ranks
third among states in total milk production; and

WHEREAS, The dairy industry is the single largest sector of New York
State's vast and diverse agricultural industry, accounting for half 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 at 716 million lbs., New
York leads the nation in cottage cheese 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
technology; and

WHEREAS, New York's milk and dairy products have been shown to
promote weight loss, build strong bones and promote overall better
health; and

WHEREAS, Every day, dairy farmers invest their time, energy and
passion into producing wholesome and nutritious milk and other dairy
products, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Dairy
Month in the State of New York, and to 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.