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
Leadership closer to western forests may speed decisions impacting timber, land use, and wildfire management.
New Nebraska wildfires near containment, but damages still mount for ranchers across the region.
Widespread drought and extreme weather leave producers managing limited resources
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
Dry conditions remain a concern as Texas farmers prepare for another planting season.
Rising fuel costs will soon increase grain transportation expenses.
