Governor Declares Drought Emergency to Speed Hay Deliveries to Farms

Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Sept. 16 declared a state of emergency to help Virginia farmers move hay after drought cut yields and left livestock producers short of winter feed.

Executive Order 21 authorizes temporary over-width exemptions for carriers hauling essential hay statewide. The order also unlocks emergency funding tools and activates price-gouging protections. Gross and axle weight limits remain in effect.

Virginia Cooperative Extension estimates a 35% statewide hay yield loss, with some areas seeing losses as high as 70%. The shortfall is pegged at about 500,000 tons. Farmers had to feed hay early during the grazing season when pastures failed.

The emergency runs 45 days from Sept. 16. Over-width waivers take effect Oct. 1 for 30 days, giving producers time to arrange loads. Virginia Cattlemen’s Association and Virginia Farm Bureau both backed the move.