Gov. Spanberger Declares State of Emergency to Support Virginia Farmers Amid Hay Shortfall

VIRGINIA – Governor Abigail Spanberger has declared a State of Emergency, effective immediately, to support Virginia farmers and producers in response to the statewide hay shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions.

Executive Order 21 allows hay to be transported quicker to farms across the Commonwealth by offering over-width exemption waivers. The waivers will be granted to carriers transporting agricultural supplies of hay in any part of the state — accelerating feed delivery to farms and livestock producers. The waivers are designed to ensure farms can maintain operations and protect livestock health as persistent drought conditions have caused a statewide hay shortfall of 500,000 tons, or approximately 1 billion pounds. The declaration also provides access to emergency funding, activates price gouging protections, and authorizes additional measures if necessary.

“This waiver will help us move critical hay resources more quickly so farms can prepare for the months ahead, feed livestock, and sustain their operations,” Governor Spanberger said. “While we have seen improvement in drought conditions in some areas of the Commonwealth in recent weeks, the impacts of this prolonged dry period are still being felt by producers across Virginia.”

Persistent drought conditions have caused a 35 percent loss in hay yields statewide, with yield losses in some cases reaching 70 percent, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. As a result, many local farms have found themselves in need of assistance to ensure adequate hay supplies going into winter.

While the Executive Order is effective immediately for 45 days, the over-width waiver will go into effect on Oct. 1, and will remain for 30 days. The 15-day period between the start of the Executive Order and the beginning of the over-width waiver will allow farmers time to source hay and transportation in order to maximize their use of the state-issued emergency waiver.

While the temporary emergency allowance permits over-width loads, gross and axle weight limits remain strictly in effect. To read the Order in full, click here.