RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Abigail Spanberger has declared a state of emergency amid a statewide hay shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions across Virginia. According to the governor's office, Spanberger signed Executive Order 21 on Wednesday, Sept. 16, authorizing temporary over-width ex emptions for all carriers transporting hay to Virginia farms after the state recorded a hay shortfall of 500,000 tons — about 1.4 times heavier than the Empire State Building. The declaration comes after prolonged drought has strained agribusiness operations and created "imminent risk" to livestock health. "These conditions have led to reduced pasture and forage quality, hay quality and volume, andurgent needs for supplemental resources essential to sustaining livestock health and production," the order reads. Prolonged drought conditions have caused a 35% loss in hay yields across the commonwealth, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. From the start of the grazing season through June, farmers had to prematurely feed hay for at least 30 days due to poor pasture conditions and inadequate forage resulting from drought, the governor's office said. The state of emergency declaration means that agencies can access emergency plans and support and expedite the relief process. It also triggered Virginia's anti-price gouging statutes, the attorney general's office announced. Price gouging protections ensure consumers are not forced into paying "unconscionable prices" for necessary goods and services after a state of emergency is declared, Jay Jones's office said. The executive order will remain in effect for 45 days unless amended or rescinded. The over-width waiver will take effect on Oct. 1 and remain in effect for 30 days. The governor's office said the 15-day period in between will allow farmers time to source hay and transportation. ...read more read less