Spanberger Declares State of Emergency as Drought Strains Virginia Farmers
The order allows emergency funding, price-gouging protections and transport waivers as Virginia faces a 500,000-ton hay shortfall, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency to address a statewide hay shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions affecting Virginia farmers and livestock producers.
- Persistent drought conditions have caused hay yields to fall 35% statewide, with some regions experiencing losses up to 70%, creating an estimated shortfall of 500,000 tons, or approximately 1 billion pounds.
- Executive Order 21, effective for 45 days starting September 16, grants over-width transportation waivers beginning October 1, 2026, for 30 days to accelerate hay deliveries to affected farms.
- "Supplemental deliveries of hay must be moved into affected areas in preparation for the winter feeding season to prevent further losses," the news release says, as Virginia Cattlemen's Association Executive Director Brandon Reeves noted producers lack forage stocks.
- Governor Spanberger said her administration will "continue working with farmers, agricultural partners, and local communities" to provide resources. The order also activates price-gouging protections and authorizes emergency support coordination.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Gov. Spanberger Declares State of Emergency 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...
The Virginian Pilot
Daily PressSpanberger declares state of emergency targeting Virginia farmers
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has declared a state of the emergency to help Virginia farmers facing a statewide hay shortage caused by persistent drought conditions.
Virginia acts to ease hay crisis as drought continues to cause strain on livestock producers
State of Emergency allows for increased hay deliveries in response to shortages created by ongoing drought. The declaration also provides access to emergency funding and activates price gouging protections
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