CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency due to a statewide hay shortage caused by the current drought, her office announced Wednesday. The dry conditions have caused a 35% loss in hay yields across Virginia, according to the Governor’s office.

“The drought has placed real pressure on livestock producers across Virginia,” Gov. Spanberger said in a statement. “Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency to make sure we can address the significant hay shortage facing the Commonwealth and keep farmers on solid footing heading into the winter. 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.”

According to the announcement, Executive Order 21 will help hay be transported quickly and efficiently to Virginia farms by over-width exemption waivers to carriers who are moving hay to farms and livestock producers.

“While we have seen improvement in drought conditions in some areas of the Commonwealth in recent weeks, the impacts of this prolonged dry period are still being felt by producers across Virginia,” Spanberger said in the statement. “My Administration will continue working with farmers, agricultural partners, and local communities to make sure they have the resources they need to weather these conditions and protect our agricultural economy.”

The State of Emergency also allows state agencies to expedite relief to farmers.

“Extreme drought conditions across the Commonwealth have left cattle producers without the forage stocks needed to support many of our herds this winter,” said Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Brandon Reeves, in a statement. “Virginia Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the decisive and strategic response of Governor Spanberger’s team to help alleviate the hay shortage Virginia cattle producers face.”

Reeves’ counterpart at the Virginia Farm Bureau also lauded the Governor’s action.

“We are grateful for the Governor’s attention to this critical matter that is causing significant economic harm to Virginia’s farmers,” said Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink. “This waiver will be instrumental in helping producers transport as much hay as possible in a timely manner to address the ongoing shortages due to severe drought conditions.”