As rains come, so does the probability of hay barns catching on fire

stacked-bales-of-hay-in-a-barn-2-SBI-351327659.jpg

Photo via Storyblocks

Ohio State Extension is warning producers to stay vigilant about preventing hay barn fires as Mother Nature continues to bring excess rain.

Wet hay can spontaneously combust when internal bacteria cause temperatures to rise. Once hay reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit, barns are at serious risk of fire.

Experts say hay stored at more than 20 percent moisture should be monitored closely. They recommend using a probe or sensor to check stack temperatures and warn against moving overheated bales without fire crews on standby.

Related Stories
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.
Spring Weather Creates Uneven Early Season Field Conditions
Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.
Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association President Craig Uden shares the latest on Nebraska wildfire conditions, discusses challenges facing producers, and outlines relief efforts underway.
Governor Jim Pillen joined us to share the latest on the Nebraska wildfires, discuss relief efforts, and outline considerations for producers navigating the ongoing situation.

Hay

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The campaign is about more than just a digital push; NPB leaders hope it will become a rallying point for the entire industry.
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
The USDA is working with 14 different states, including Georgia, to develop and implement block grants to address the unique disaster recovery needs for each state.
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”