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.

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