K 587: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 587 BY: M. of A. Lupardo MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Dairy Month; and WHEREAS, In 1937, National Dairy Month began as National Milk Month to promote drinking milk and help stabilize dairy demand when production was at a surplus; and WHEREAS, National Dairy Month has developed into an annual tradition, celebrating the worldwide contributions of the dairy industry; and WHEREAS, National Dairy Month celebrates the safe, healthy, high-quality, and most importantly, delicious dairy products we have in abundance in the United States, thanks to the hard work and commitment of our dairy farmers; and WHEREAS, In New York State, agriculture continues to rank as one of the top industries, and with dairy farms extending across the State, New York ranks fifth among states in total milk production; and WHEREAS, New York State has more than 2,800 dairy farms with approximately 630,000 dairy cows which produce more than 16 billion pounds of milk annually; New York leads the nation in the production of cottage cheese, yogurt, and sour cream; and WHEREAS, According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State saw the loss of more than 250 dairy farms between 2022 and 2023, a statewide cause for concern as dairy is an integral segment of New York State's agricultural sector and economy; and WHEREAS, Approximately half the sales of New York State agricultural products comes from the direct sale of dairy products by New York farmers; and WHEREAS, The dairy industry is 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 are packed with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins, potassium, and Vitamin D and are an excellent source of protein; consuming milk and other dairy products may even reduce the risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, as well as help build and repair muscle tissue, maintain healthy skin, and provide natural nutrients; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York and 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.