Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 14, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Declares ‘Washington Beef and Dairy Week’

Gov. Gary Locke today declared Jan. 17 through Jan. 24 as “Washington Beef and Dairy Week,” urging all citizens to enjoy Washington’s beef, milk and dairy products and to continue to support our state farmers and ranchers throughout the year.

Locke made the declaration during a visit to Mabton, where he led a town hall meeting with livestock industry leaders and the local community on the mad cow investigation.

The text of the proclamation:

WHEREAS, Washington’s beef and dairy industries are two of the largest sectors of the agricultural economy in Washington state with a combined value of more than $1 billion; and

WHEREAS, Washington’s cattle production is more than 660 million pounds each year with a value of more than $450 million, and Washington’s dairy producers market over 5.5 billion pounds of milk per year generating receipts of over $600 million; and

WHEREAS, more than 10,000 family farmers, ranchers and businesses make their living producing high quality, wholesome beef and milk that sustains Washington's families and family farms; and

WHEREAS, businesses that support our beef and dairy industries provide valuable jobs for thousands of people across our state; and

WHEREAS, the value of dairy farmers, cattle ranchers, and all involved in the livestock industry, is priceless to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Washington beef and dairy products are processed, packed and shipped to restaurants and grocery stores locally, throughout the country and around the world for consumers to enjoy.

WHEREAS, Washington’s beef and dairy products continue to be safe and nutritious for our families; and,

WHEREAS, it is important at this time that all Washingtonians join together to show their support for the dairy farmers and cattle ranchers of our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby recognize the week of January 17 through January 24, 2004, as

Washington Beef and Dairy Week

in Washington State, and I urge all citizens to enjoy Washington’s beef, milk and dairy products, to ask for Washington beef and dairy products at your local grocer, and to continue to support our farmers and ranchers throughout the year.

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