CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A severe drought affecting much of Virginia has begun to take a toll on farmers as crop damage, and stalled planting creating growing concern across the state. About 91% of Virginia is experiencing severe drought conditions, according to federal data. With rainfall d eficits nearing three inches in some areas and little relief in sight, the drought is also disrupting planting efforts. Lynwood Broaddus is a six generation farmer at Spring Hill Farm in Caroline County. He runs the farm with his brother and son, and said the lack of rainfall is unusual for this time of year and started last fall. “Usually it’s not dry this early, and actually, it’s been dry since November,” he said. Freezing temperatures earlier this week have compounded the problem, raising concerns about significant crop loss. “We suspect our wheat is going to be heavily damaged,” Broaddus said. “So we probably won’t be selling wheat this year.” Caroline farmer Lynwood Broaddus notices early signs of damage in his wheat crops. (Photo: 8News) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the dry conditions will persist. “A lot of farmers have stopped planting,” Broaddus said. “When the ground gets dry, it gets hard, and you physically cannot get the machine into the ground deep enough.” In Louisa County, farmer Steve Hopkins said his hay fields are producing only a fraction of their usual growth. “This should be your best month that you have all year,” said Hopkins, who was named Virginia's 2025 Farmer of the Year. Hopkins estimates his hay is at just 25% of normal levels. “It looks green, but it's deceiving," he said as he stood in a field of hay that barely reached his knee. "Normally, it should be up to my waist and so thick that I would have a hard time walking back through it.” The reduced growth is putting pressure on his livestock operation. Hopkins relies on hay and pasture to feed about 300 cows, but said the grass is being consumed almost as quickly as it grows. Louisa farmer Steve Hopkins shows reduced growth in hay field. (Photo: 8News) “This time of year, this grass would probably last this herd about 10 days,” he said. “This year, [after] about two days, it was gone.” To compensate, Hopkins plans to rent additional land, creating an added expense. Neither Hopkins nor Broaddus uses irrigation systems, leaving both farmers dependent on rainfall to sustain their crops and livestock. Despite the challenges, Broaddus remains hopeful. “We have survived all kinds of dry weather, wet weather,” he said. “Sooner or later it’s going to rain, sooner or later the corn will come up and things will continue.” Farmers say they expect to have a clearer picture of the extent of the damage by next month. Crop insurance could help offset some of the financial losses. ...read more read less