Key Points: What Causes Fires? The process of forage heating up and then burning is typically called spontaneous combustion. Spontaneous combustion for hay usually occurs within the first two months of storage. Unusual growing conditions, such as an early harvest window or immature crop, can complicate the drying process and increase the risk of fire. […]
Key Points: What Causes Fires? The process of forage heating up and then burning is typically called spontaneous combustion. In silos, forage can dry down if air enters the silo through leaks in walls or doors; this results in the potential for fires throughout the whole year. Spontaneous heating and combustion occur when sufficient moisture […]
Rain events across the province have interrupted a dry spring. While the water is welcome, the 5-7 days after a rain that ends a severe dry period increases the risk of nitrates in forage crops! Nitrates are of concern because they can increase silo gas production and cause nitrate poisoning in livestock. Silo Gas Silo gas […]
Farming is a stressful occupation at any time. However, recent world events have created significant pressures on farming operations and those who support them. While mental health has come a long way in recognition and over coming stigma, many still try to “go it alone”! While most of us are not trained in mental health, […]
Wheat harvest 2020 is right around the corner! The conditions are dry in those fields! Once the rush starts it will be “all hands on deck” But remember the slew of harvest/field fires that occurred in July 2016/17/18 under similar dry conditions. Harvest fires result in a financial, emotional and environmental burden to the farm and risks the lives of farm personal, local fire departments and the public and uses firefighting resources. Make sure you are prepared before harvest begins! […]
This article is a short reminder for sprayer operators to respect the possibility of tipping a sprayer. Every spring I catch wind of someone tipping over. When I can ask the operator questions I start with “Is everyone alright?” and “Was the sprayer full?“. Hopefully the answers are “Yes” and “No”, but not always. The […]
Written by Jacqui Empson Laporte, Environmental Specialist, OMAFRA From Houston to Toronto, a common theme has been flooding caused by the increase in impermeable surfaces. In June, 2017, part of Southwestern Ontario was hit with a 1 in 100 year storm event, and some areas received 6.7 inches (170 mm) of rain in 7 hours. […]
Ian McDonald, OMAFRA Crop Innovation Specialist James Dyck, OMAFRA Engineer – Field Crop Conditioning & Environment Jacqui Empson Laporte, OMAFRA Environmental Specialist Terrence Sauve, OMAFRA Engineer – Farmstead Optimization & Safety Farm equipment today is larger and can travel faster than ever before. Farms have also grown bigger, spread across fields that can be […]
This article was written by Ian McDonald, with contributions from Jacqui Empson-Laporte, James Dyck, and Terrance Sauve of OMAFRA As farmers struggle to complete harvest, there is pressure to quickly get the crop out of the field and into storage. However the crop won’t matter much if your harvest practices mean you or someone […]
Did you know? Faulty electrical systems cause approximately 40 per cent of farm building fires with a determined cause, making it one of the leading known causes of farm fires. […]
Disposing of non-nutrient agricultural waste responsibly needs to be a year-round effort. Burning and burying non-nutrient agricultural waste can pollute the air, contaminate water and can have other potential harmful impacts on the environment, which can harm people and livestock. Consider recycling or reusing your waste instead – recycling and reuse not only lowers your […]