LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Harkins Dairy Farm LLC upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of a Gold Level National Dairy Quality
Award

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 are dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety
of food products; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those families which substantially contribute to the
economic vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Harkins Dairy Farm LLC upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of a Gold Level National Dairy Quality Award, which was cele-
brated at a special ceremony on January 26-28, 2014, in Fort Worth,
Texas; and
WHEREAS, The National Dairy Quality Awards recognizes the very best in
milk production; its goal is to honor dairy producers from across the
United States who have successfully placed high priority on producing
milk of the highest quality; and
WHEREAS, Harkins Dairy Farm LLC is owned and operated by Craig and
Barb Harkins with their sons Tom and Rob Harkin; since its establishment
in 1927, the 575 acre farm has been in the family for the past five
generations of Barb Harkins' family; and
WHEREAS, The Harkins Dairy Farm milks its 275 Holsteins cows three
times a day, and 26,000 pounds of milk are shipped out daily; they take
pride in their all-natural dairy products; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding farm is one of only 40 in the country to
receive a National Dairy Quality Award (NDQA), honoring them for produc-
ing superior quality milk; this year, they were chosen out of more than
200 applicants across the United States; and
WHEREAS, After winning the Silver Level Award for two consecutive
years, the Harkins Dairy Farm received the Gold Level based upon their
excellence in milk production; tests done on chemical indicators in the
milk showed extremely high quality; judges also took note of cow's
comfort and health, as well as the farm's adherence to drug use and
record-keeping standards; and
WHEREAS, The Harkins Dairy Farm's commitment to excellence has won it
numerous additional awards including the Gold Standard from both the New
York State Super Milk and from the Upstate Niagara Cooperative; they
were also named a Dairy of Distinction; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges the success of this exceptional family and its contributions to
the local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Harkins Dairy Farm LLC upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of a Gold Level National Dairy Quality Award; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Harkins Family.