Spanberger declares state of emergency as drought strains Virginia farmers

By: Shannon Heckt

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: September 16, 2026

Words: 343

Last Updated: 1 day, 22 hours ago

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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 totaling 500,000 tons.

“This waiver will help us move critical …

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