1. What does this drought emergency declaration mean for my farm?

Governor Spanberger has formally recognized that severe drought has threatened hay and forage availability and has used emergency powers to allow agencies to waive certain regulations, allowing over-width hay shipments to support hay movement across Virginia.

2. What specific transportation rules are being waived for hay shipments?

The order authorizes:

• Temporary over width exemptions for vehicles transporting hay on state roads (not on interstates).
• Suspension of standard permit applications and fees.
• Temporary relief from federal and Virginia hours of service rules for commercial drivers hauling hay to directly assist the drought emergency response; the hours of service relief does extend to interstate transportation if providing direct assistance.
• These waivers apply statewide and are intended to speed up hay deliveries in response to the drought.

3. How long do these transportation waivers last?

The over-width waiver is valid for 30 days beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The overall Executive Order remains in effect for 45 days starting Sept. 16, 2026, unless amended or rescinded.

4. Do I need to apply for a permit to haul hay during the waiver period?

Vehicles operating under an emergency waiver are not required to obtain a hauling permit, provided they remain within the size and weight limits established in the waiver. If a vehicle exceeds those limits, the carrier must submit a hauling permit application through the DMV’s EZ Haul permitting system.

5. Does this waiver apply to hay coming from out of state?

The order covers hay transported to, through, and from any area of the Commonwealth, including shipments from out-of-state. Haulers must still comply with all regulations of other states while operating outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

6. Are weight limits waived too, or only width limits?

The Executive Order specifically applies to over width exemptions. Weight limits are not suspended or waived, so farmers and carriers should comply with all existing standard weight rules.

7. What state resources and coordination exist regarding hay sourcing and delivery?

The VDACS disaster resources webpage links to available hay sources in Virginia and nearby states. Additionally, VDACS will work with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Farm Bureau, and other partners to make farmers aware of the transportation flexibility and connect farmers in need with supplier options in addition to those listed on the VDACS website.

8. Are there protections against price gouging for hay?

Yes. The order activates Virginia’s price gouging statute (§ 59.1 525 et seq.) specifically for hay procurement and transportation. This prohibits unconscionable price increases during the emergency period.

9. Does this declaration affect federal disaster programs or benefits?

No. The order covers over-width transportation waivers within the Commonwealth. Farmers may still qualify for USDA drought programs, Farm Service Agency assistance, or federal emergency benefits. You can learn more on the Virginia FSA webpage.

10. Where will regulatory waivers be posted?

The waivers issued by Virginia will be posted on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website and on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s website.

11. What should livestock producers do right now?

Producers should:

• Assess forage inventories and hay needs.
• Contact suppliers early to take advantage of transport flexibility between Oct. 1, 2026, and Oct. 30, 2026.
• Document drought impacts with local Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and USDA Farm Service Agency for potential federal assistance.
• Monitor agency websites frequently for updates on waivers and resources.