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Drought management

Governor Spanberger Declares State of Emergency to Support Virginia Farmers

Gov. Spanberger has issued Executive Order 21 to support livestock producers facing severe drought. Over-width transportation waivers for hay deliveries go into effect Oct. 1 to accelerate feed supply across the Commonwealth.

Read the full press release
VDACS Disaster Recovery & Emergency Relief
Access official state disaster assistance, transportation waiver details, and agricultural relief programs for Virginia producers affected by drought.
View VDACS Recovery Resources
Virginia Hay Clearinghouse & Feed Directory
Connect directly with buyers and sellers, view current market pricing reports, and locate available emergency feed supplies across the state.
Find & Source Hay Supplies

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Featured publications

  • Resource Item
    A garden bed featuring red tulips, white daffodils, and clusters of purple pansies arranged in rows with wood chip mulch covering soil. Green shrubs and grass border the flower bed.
    Patriotic Gardens: Red, White, and Blue in Fall and Winter Gardens , resource

    This publication provides guidelines for creating patriotic-themed gardens along entrance corridors and public spaces to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial. It offers design options for small signs, large signs, and extensive corridor plantings, emphasizing red, white, and blue color schemes. The resource includes curated plant lists featuring annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees suitable for Virginia’s diverse climates, with many native species recommended. Practical advice on soil preparation, watering, mulching, and planting techniques ensures successful establishment and maintenance.

  • Resource Item
    Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli
    Fall Vegetable Gardening , resource

    This publication provides guidance on planning and planting a productive fall garden in Virginia. It explains how to calculate optimal planting times using frost dates and days to maturity, and it highlights warm- and cool-season crops well suited for late-season production. The publication covers techniques for soil preparation, moisture management, mulching, pest avoidance, and using transplants. It also addresses extending the harvest with cold protection, caring for perennial vegetables, and preparing the garden, soil, and tools for winter. Recommendations for winter cover crops and additional VCE resources support gardeners seeking to maximize year-round productivity.

  • Resource Item
    A photo of a two story traditional house with black shutters behind two tall trees filled with orange fall leaves and in a green yard covered with fallen orange leaves.
    Fall Lawn Care , resource

    The fall season is an important transition period of turfgrass growth and development, and the management of your warm- and cool-season grasses at this time of year means a great deal in terms of anticipated success in your lawn the following spring.

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