Hay shortage due to drought behind Spanberger’s state of emergency declaration

A state of emergency to benefit Virginia’s farmers was declared Wednesday by Governor Spanberger as severe drought conditions have depleted hay supplies.

Data from the governor’s office says a shortage of 1 billion pounds of hay is the result of months with no rain in select parts of the commonwealth.

The declaration will loosen hauling agreements into Virginia while decreasing the cost of hay being transported. The designated period will last for 45 days or until necessary help reaches farmers.

“The compounding impacts on Virginia farmers from drought, multiple disaster events, sustained high input costs, and market pressures are extremely concerning for Virginia agriculture,” said Dan Goerlich, Associate Director with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Stephanie Cornnell, Extension Advisory Council Chair, in a joint statement. “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. These partnerships are making a real difference for farmers across the Commonwealth. Together, we’re helping keep Virginia agriculture moving forward one load at a time.”

(IMAGE: Property of Virginia Cooperative Extension / Virginia Tech)