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
Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene, research is helping producers rebuild damaged farmland.
ASFMRA’s Shawn Wood joins us to discuss farmland market trends, drought and water concerns, and the outlook for Arizona agricultural real estate.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service says drought resilience starts before the next rainfall shortage.
Many growers are monitoring water allocations as dry conditions continue.
Favorable weather has vineyards running ahead of last year’s pace.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss current crop conditions, USDA crop ratings, summer weather concerns, and the potential market impacts of developments in the Middle East.

Hay

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

NCBA is focused on hours-of-service regulations and support for increased truck weight limits, which would allow haulers to move more cattle with fewer trucks.
Dr. Gary Schnitkey from the University of Illinois discusses farmers’ sentiment toward industry consolidation, especially in the fertilizer sector, where costs remain historically high.
Experts note that economic growth, fuel demand, and energy diversification are opening new opportunities for U.S. grain and ethanol exports in Southeast Asia.
The Potter Valley Project has provided irrigation water and hydroelectric power for over 100 years in Northern California, serving agriculture and municipal users.
The USDA’s new cotton initiative comes as policymakers continue to focus on stabilizing farm income across major row crops while balancing export exposure with domestic supply chain resilience.