RICHMOND, Va. — On Wednesday, Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency in response to a statewide hay shortage caused by persistent drought conditions that have reduced yields.
The September 16, 2026 declaration, issued through Executive Order 21, temporarily eases transportation restrictions to help move hay to farms across Virginia.
Beginning October 1, carriers transporting hay will be eligible for over-width exemptions for 30 days. Gross and axle weight limits will remain in effect.
In a written statement, Spanberger said:
The drought has placed real pressure on livestock producers across Virginia.
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.
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.
Virginia is facing an estimated hay shortage of 500,000 tons, or about 1 billion pounds. Drought conditions have reduced hay yields statewide by about 35%, with losses reaching as high as 70% in some areas.
The drought has also forced some farmers to begin using stored hay earlier than usual.
From the beginning of the grazing season through June, farmers had to feed hay for at least 30 of the first 90 days because drought had reduced pasture and available forage.
The emergency declaration provides access to emergency funding, activates price-gouging protections and allows state agencies to issue additional temporary regulatory waivers if needed.
The Virginia Emergency Support Team and Drought Monitoring Task Force are continuing to monitor drought conditions and coordinate with localities and agricultural stakeholders.
Executive Order 21 is scheduled to remain in effect for 45 days unless it is amended or rescinded.
State officials said the 15-day period between the declaration and the waiver’s effective date gives farmers time to locate hay and arrange transportation before the federally limited 30-day emergency waiver period begins.