Washington
State Dairy Federation
"The Voice of Dairy Farmers"
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"The Voice of Dairy Farmers"
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Legislative Activities
Barnyard Coalition Dairy Day at the Capitol Beef Day at the Capitol
2010 Legislative Session Expected Issues Budget Concerns- We will be working hard to protect as many of the tax breaks that we have earned as possible in this difficult budget year. Tail Docking- See above HOME page. Ag Impact Statement – Bill has already been introduced by Senator Haugen that would require state agencies to define how any action they take in agricultural areas would impact agriculture. “Wheeling” Legislation- Legislation is being crafted by Senate and House Energy Staff at request of Rep. McCoy. This legislation would allow a small producer of power to “wheel”, or move their power, to other markets. Stock water –Currently, there are several bills on the books, but none have agreement. It is possible more legislation will be introduced. Nutrient Management Program- Bill language is being drafted to reconcile concerns regarding the agronomic record keeping aspect of RCW 90.64. Building permits- The State Auditor is completing the auditing of the county building permit fees. Drafts we have seen indicate that they went neutral on why the fees vary so much. Next steps are unclear until after we see what the final report says and how the legislators respond. Animal ID legislation – WSDA has legislation in the works. The goal is to improve the quality of reports and the ability to track animals. Brand fees rulemaking- We wrote a letter to Director Newhouse asking for rulemaking to implement a brand fee reduction of 50 cents for any animal that has an RFID tag. Critical Areas moratorium- legislation will be introduced that should delay for another year or two the critical areas agricultural-land debate.
February 25, 2010
Washington Livestock Industry Legislative Reception January 19, 2010 The Viewpoint at Westbay Marina (Tug Boat Annie’s)
Rep. Klippert and WA State Dairy Ambassadors
Maynard Mallonee and Rep. Takko
Tony Freeman, Steve Matzen, Liz Anderson, Jesse Robbins, and Byron Bentson
Jim Heeringa, Darlene DeGroot, and Eileen Hartzell
AT THE LEGISLATURE Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Senator Randi Becker introducing the "Dairy Day Resolution"
WA State Dairy Ambassador Melissa Cook speaking to the Senate House and Alternate
WA Dairy State and County Ambassadors and Alternates
Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen and Ambassadors
WA State Dairy Ambassador Melissa Cook speaking to the House Representatives with the County and Alternate Ambassadors
Dairy Day at the Legislature gains Recognition from State Legislators! SENATE RESOLUTION 8680 By Senators Becker, Berkey, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon, Hatfield, Swecker, King, Haugen, Ranker, Fraser, Roach, and Kohl-Welles WHEREAS, Families across Washington depend on the safe and nutritious dairy products provided by the dairy farmers of Washington state; and WHEREAS, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children consume three servings and teens consume four servings of dairy products a day; and WHEREAS, The Dairy Farmers of Washington are cotitle sponsors of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Championship Tournaments, a program that cultivates and recognizes dedicated and talented young scholars, athletes, musicians, thespians, dancers, and their coaches; and WHEREAS, There are approximately 465 family dairy farms in Washington state with approximately 244,000 dairy cows; and WHEREAS, Washington state ranks tenth in total milk production in the United States with 662 million gallons annually; and WHEREAS, Washington ranks second in milk production per cow with 2,708 gallons of milk per year; and WHEREAS, Dairy foods constitute the second highest dollar-valued agricultural commodity produced in Washington, with a direct economic impact valued at 566 million dollars and a total value to Washington's economy of more than one billion dollars; and WHEREAS, For every one million dollars in dairy products supports 20 local jobs in farming, processing, distributing, and marketing; and WHEREAS, On June 19, 2009, Melissa Cook from the City of Snohomish was crowned the Washington State Dairy Ambassador, and Elizabeth Birklid from King-Pierce counties and Shelby Hansen from Skagit-Island counties were crowned Washington State Alternate Dairy Ambassadors; and WHEREAS, Dairy Day at the legislature is January 20, 2010, when legislators will visit with Washington dairy producers and enjoy ice cream produced in Washington provided by the Washington State Dairy Federation, Washington State Dairy Women, and the state and county Dairy Ambassadors; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledge and honor the women and men whose work on dairy farms throughout Washington has contributed much to the strength and vitality of our economy, the character of our communities, and the general well-being of our citizens; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Washington State Dairy Ambassador Melissa Cook, alternate Ambassadors Elizabeth Birklid and Shelby Hansen, and the Washington State Dairy Federation. I, Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of Senate Resolution 8680, adopted by the Senate January 20, 2010 THOMAS HOEMANN Secretary of the Senate
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Washington State Dairy Federation 575 E. Main Street, Suite #2, PO Box 1768, Elma, WA 98541-1768, 360.482.3485, Fax: 360.482.4069, Email: wsdf@msn.com |
