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
Improved coffee output could strengthen the U.S. supply, but input costs and weather risks keep the outlook uncertain.
Data centers will continue expanding, but local decisions will determine whether that growth protects agricultural water access or adds stress to already vulnerable production regions.
Volunteers stepped in to help producers rebuild after damaging storms swept through parts of central Nebraska.
Dry weather and limited freeze damage are helping produce some of the best blueberry quality growers have seen in years.
Wheat Harvest Begins As Drought Challenges Livestock Regions
LSU economist Dr. Michael Deliberto says fewer planted acres could tighten supplies and support prices for producers.
