Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency to address hay shortages caused by drought, part of her administration's response to multiple challenges facing the state's farmers. Rising fuel costs and trade disruptions with Canada, Virginia's largest agricultural trading partner, are adding to the economic pressure on producers, according to the Governor.
Spanberger discussed the situation while speaking at Farm Aid 2026 in Virginia Beach. She said farmers face compounding pressures: "Fuel costs are at a record high. We've had drought conditions, which have really impacted our hay production which impacts our cattle farmers."
To support producers, Spanberger secured $300 million in funding for agricultural best management practices, working with the state's General Assembly. The program supports farmers implementing rotational grazing and cover crops, practices that reduce input costs while providing conservation benefits.
Virginia's agriculture and forestry sectors have a combined economic impact of $105 billion annually and support more than 490,000 jobs statewide.