Preventing and Extinguishing Hay Fires

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. […]

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AG Mental Health Resources

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, […]

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Avoiding, Preparing For and Reacting to Harvest Fires

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! […]

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Why Sprayers Tip

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 […]

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Be Aware – Light Right

  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 […]

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Are you waste wise?

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 […]

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