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
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
Brent Graves of StockShowAuctions.com takes us to Grayson County to see the damage from a historic winter ice storm and what it will take to rebuild.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.

Hay

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
The facility will increase the range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm.
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.