By SHAWN STREET
Governor Abigail Spanberger has declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions.
The declaration, and the signing of Executive Order 21, allows hay to be transported quickly and efficiently to farms across Virginia by granting over-width exemption waivers to carriers transporting essential agricultural supplies.
These waivers will help make sure farms can maintain operations and protect livestock health as persistent drought conditions have caused a statewide hay shortfall of 500,000 tons — or approximately one billion pounds. The declaration also provides access to emergency funding, activates price gouging protections, and authorizes additional measures if necessary.
“The drought has placed real pressure on livestock producers across Virginia,” Spanberger said. “Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to make sure we can address the significant hay shortage facing the Commonwealth and keep farmers on solid footing heading into the winter. 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.”
Spanberger added, “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. My Administration will continue working with farmers, agricultural partners, and local communities to make sure they have the resources they need to weather these conditions and protect our agricultural economy.”
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.
The Virginia Emergency Support Team and Drought Monitoring Task Force continue to actively monitor statewide drought conditions and coordinate with affected localities and stakeholders. The state of emergency allows state agencies to streamline support, implement emergency plans, and issue temporary regulatory waivers needed to expedite relief.
Spanberger’s announcement drew praise from Ninth District Congressman Morgan Griffith.
“Hay is an integral agricultural product supporting Virginia farmers, particularly those with cows and horses,” Griffith said. “But due to devastating drought challenges, access to hay supplies is dwindling. I commend the Governor’s action today to address the hay shortage impacting Virginia. I will continue to advocate for our farming and rural communities as they try to access crop relief.”
The executive order became effective on September 16, 2026, and will remain in force for 45 days unless amended or rescinded.
The over-width waiver will go into effect on October 1, 2026, and will remain in force 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, which federal regulations limit to 30 days.
For updates on hay resources and waiver-related information, please visit the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services webpage for Disaster Recovery Resources for Virginia Farmers.
For updates on drought conditions and voluntary water conservation guidance, please visit the Department of Environmental Quality’s Drought Monitoring webpage.