Virginia farmers struggling with drought-damaged pastures will be able to receive larger hay deliveries under a state of emergency declared by Gov. Abigail Spanberger Wednesday.  

Spanberger’s Executive Order 21 temporarily exempts over-width hay deliveries from certain transportation restrictions, allowing hay to reach farmers more quickly to feed their livestock. Persistent drought conditions that began last winter have led to an estimated hay shortfall totalling 500,000 tons.

“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 said in a statement.

Although drought conditions have improved in some parts of the state since earlier this year, some regions have experienced losses of up to 70% losses in hay yields. Southern Virginia along the North Carolina border remains under emergency drought conditions, according to the Department of Environmental Quality.

The dry conditions have left pastures without enough grass for cattle, forcing farmers to tap into their hay supplies earlier in the grazing season than usual. That means they must purchase more hay heading into winter.

“Extreme drought conditions across the commonwealth have left cattle producers without the forage stocks needed to support many of our herds this winter,” Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Brandon Reeves said in a statement.

While the order grants exemptions for over-width deliveries, gross and axle weight limits remain in effect.

“Farmers are very resilient and innovative, and this transportation waiver will shorten the timeline for hay deliveries and also save significant trucking costs for producers purchasing supplemental hay as part of their overall drought management strategy,” Dan Goerlich and Stephanie Cornnell with the Virginia Cooperative Extension said in a statement.

The emergency declaration allows state agencies to coordinate support for farmers, implement emergency plans and grant temporary waivers as drought conditions continue.

The executive order took effect immediately and will remain in place for 45 days unless amended or rescinded. The over-width waiver will begin Oct. 1 and last for 30 days.