Recognize Agriculture Day March 21

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.