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Virginia drought order prepares temporary relief for hay deliveries
The transport-waiver period begins October 1; farmers and carriers should check the agencies’ published terms.
Virginia is preparing temporary transportation relief to help move hay to farms affected by drought. Governor Abigail Spanberger's September 16 emergency order describes reduced pasture and forage quality and shortages affecting livestock operations.
Executive Order 21 authorizes transportation agencies to grant specified hay-hauling waivers, including relief involving over-width permits and commercial-driver hours. The order places that waiver period at 30 days beginning October 1, 2026.
The dates and details matter
The emergency declaration took effect September 16. Its transport-waiver window starts later, so carriers should not treat the announcement as a blanket exemption already in operation. The order requires issued waivers to be posted on agency websites.
It also authorizes up to $500,000 for state and local response assignments and activates price-gouging provisions related to hay procurement and transportation.
For farm households arranging supplies, the immediate step is to coordinate with the supplier and carrier and consult the actual agency waiver before scheduling a load. Read the signed order for its scope and effective dates.
