(The Center Square) – Virginia farmers are facing an estimated 500,000-ton hay shortage after prolonged drought cut statewide yields, leaving livestock producers searching for additional feed ahead of winter.

First-year Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared an emergency Wednesday that will temporarily ease transportation restrictions on hay shipments beginning Oct. 1.

The shortage is equal to nearly one-fifth of the 2.5 million tons of hay Virginia produced in 2025, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Hay production was valued at about $433 million last year. Virginia also had about 1.32 million cattle and calves at the beginning of 2026.

Virginia Cooperative Extension estimates drought has cut hay yields statewide by 35%, with losses reaching 70% in some areas. Farmers also had to begin using stored hay early, feeding hay for at least 30 of the first 90 days of the grazing season because drought left pastures with insufficient forage.

Virginia Farm Bureau says livestock producers who typically rely on grazing during summer and save hay for winter are running low on feed.

The organization says hay availability is extremely low and transportation costs are high as farmers look outside their normal supply areas.

The emergency order allows carriers hauling hay to operate overwidth loads without the usual permit applications and fees. Standard gross and axle weight limits remain in place.

The waiver covers hay transported to, through and from Virginia, including loads originating in other states. Carriers must still follow transportation rules in other states while outside Virginia.

The overwidth waiver begins Oct. 1 and lasts 30 days. The administration said the 15-day period between the emergency declaration and the waiver gives farmers time to locate hay and arrange transportation before the federally limited waiver period begins.

The broader emergency declaration remains in effect for 45 days unless amended or rescinded. It also provides access to emergency funding and activates pricegouging protections.

The drought has reached nearly every part of Virginia. As of Sept. 8, every county and independent city except Norfolk had received a USDA drought disaster designation at some point in 2026, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

This post was originally published on The Center Square.