RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Farmers across the commonwealth can now transport larger bales of hay Thursday under a state carrier exemption during a statewide shortage due to the drought. Starting Thursday, Oct. 1, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 30, hay loads can be up to 12 feet wide and 14 feet tall, allowing farmers and suppliers to transport larger quantities of hay to areas most in need, according to a release from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D). The previous width limit for hay carriers was 8 feet, 6 inches. Thursday's exemptions follow Spanberger's declaration of a state of emergency and Executive Order 21, which took effect on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The order gives farmers a waiver to help them transport more hay than normally allowed on a carrier. MORE: Hay shortage from drought triggers state of emergency, waiver to transport more hay That Wednesday, Spanberger's office shared the following statement, which reads in part: "The Executive Order becomes effective on September 16, 2026, and remains in force for 45 days unless amended or rescinded. The over-width waiver will go into effect on October 1, 2026 and will remain in force for 30 days. The 15-day period between the start of the Executive Order and the beginning of the over-width waiver will allow farmers time to source hay and transportation in order to maximize their use of the state-issued emergency waiver, which federal regulations limit to 30 days." ...read more read less