Assembly Resolution No. 231

BY: M. of A. Kolb

HONORING Karen Rugenstein upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Jackie Kunes
Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the
continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly
enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of individuals
who are committed to the preservation of our agriculture industry and
the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our
surroundings; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Karen Rugenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Jackie Kunes Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award by the Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Ontario County Farm Bureau and Ontario County
Agricultural Enhancement Board, to be recognized at its Agriculture
Appreciation Celebration on Friday, March 24, 2017, at Club 86, Geneva,
New York; 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, A staunch businesswoman, Karen Rugenstein is also active in
the management of her family's dairy farm in Canandaigua, New York,
where she grew up; and

WHEREAS, Karen Rugenstein attended Morrisville State College where
she earned a degree in Agricultural Business; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed woman began her illustrious career in
agriculture with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) as a Commodity
Program Technician in 1991; after years of hard work and steadfast
dedication, she now serves as a Farm Loan Specialist; and

WHEREAS, With 25 head Simmental cow/calf herd, Karen Rugenstein and
her family market their calves to Simmental breeders as well as 4-H
children throughout Western New York; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Randy, and their
two children, Becky and Amy, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
her life and rejoice in her achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of individuals such as Karen Rugenstein who work tirelessly
on behalf of protecting and promoting our natural surroundings for the
benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Karen Rugenstein upon the occasion of her designation as recipient

of the Jackie Kunes Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Karen Rugenstein.