RICHMOND—When a farmer can’t feed cattle, their purpose in providing the agricultural commodities Americans depend on becomes a question of survival.

Virginia farmers are increasingly desperate for hay this summer to feed livestock as prolonged, historic drought conditions continue to strain pastures, reduce forage yields and force some farmers to begin feeding winter supplies months ahead of schedule. Others are choosing to downsize their herds as cattle market inventories already are constricted.

To help, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is compiling resources for farmers coping with the hay shortage, including public and private hay listings, feed alternatives, transportation contracts and federal disaster assistance information.

“Farmers are extremely stressed,” said Stephanie Cornnell, Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau president. She is coordinating efforts to connect Virginia livestock farmers seeking hay with sellers who have hay available, working with affiliates from Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Whether seeking or offering assistance, farmers can complete an online form and be added to the hay coordination effort.

“This effort is about more than moving hay,” Cornnell said. “It’s about neighbors helping neighbors and standing together to support agriculture when it needs us most. These partnerships are making a real difference for farmers across the commonwealth. Together, we’re helping keep Virginia agriculture moving forward one load at a time.”

She also is working to identify more transportation options through the railways and looking into issues including fuel-reimbursement rates—critical pieces of the challenge as farmers look beyond their normal buying areas for feed.

The inability to feed livestock can be devastating to a family farm’s bottom line, Cornnell said, and the mental health of its operator.

“Farmers are here to provide,” said Cornnell, who is taking calls from panicked operators unable to feed their cows. “Many have never been in a situation like this and may need support for their mental health.”

The AgriStress Helpline is a crisis response and resource line available via call or text 24/7 at 833-897-2474. And the online community Togetherall offers anonymous peer-to-peer support and a library of self-paced resources.

VFBF also has added a special drought resources section to its website so producers can more easily find available tools in one place. Farm Bureau’s resource list includes information on alternative feed sources that may be available in bulk quantities. Other resources include the Virginia Hay Clearing House, Virginia Market News Service hay and feed information, Virginia Cooperative Extension bulletins and regional hay directories in nearby states.

Media: Contact Cornnell at 703-586-3212.