Virginia declares state of emergency over drought-driven hay shortage

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Wednesday in response to a statewide hay shortage caused by persistent drought, a measure that applies to agricultural producers in Henrico County and throughout the commonwealth.

State officials estimate that Virginia faces a shortage of about 500,000 tons of hay, or roughly 1 billion pounds. The administration said statewide hay yields are down about 35%, with losses reaching 70% in some areas.

The order authorizes emergency funding, activates Virginia’s price-gouging protections and permits over-width exemption waivers for vehicles transporting hay statewide. The transportation waiver takes effect Oct. 1 and is set to remain in place for 30 days; existing gross- and axle-weight limits remain unchanged.

The emergency declaration took effect Sept. 16 and will remain active for 45 days unless it is amended or rescinded. The Governor of Virginia’s website provides the official Executive Order 21 and related state information.