Farmers urged to be alert for hayshed fires

Recent weather patterns have stoked warnings about potential hay fires, with farmers urged to monitor moisture in their hay bales.

With farmers aiming to fill haysheds and replenish fodder supplies, there are warnings about potential hay fires.

Recent activity in the fodder industry has potentially created a perfect storm for hay fires, mainly because of the weather patterns.

Fodder grower and mixed farmer Bob McCormack of Winchendonvale in southern NSW said moisture in hay bales prompted fires.

Until now, many hay sheds had been empty because there hadn’t been enough fodder to store.

He said all it took was for half of a bale to combust, and potentially, an entire shed could be lost.

Mr McCormack said if in any doubt, go in, pull bales out, and check airflow.

He said monitoring was essential.

“You have to monitor the sheds after they put the hay in,” he said.

“If you see a bale move or are suspicious, dig it out and have a good look,” he said.

“It’s not a case of putting hay in the shed and then forgetting about it.”

Bob McCormack of Winchendonvale in southern NSW. Picture: Nikki Reynolds

Agriculture Victoria program manager for dairy – north Brett Davidson said spontaneous combustion was often caused by high moisture content.

He said rainfall could also compromise hay stacks as a water pool might gather at the base.

Farmers were urged to use moisture metres and take regular readings.

For small square bales, moisture should be in the safe vicinity of 15 to 18 per cent. Large round bales range from 14 to 16 per cent, and large square bales 12 to 14 per cent.

Other clues to be aware of or look out for included dampness on the top of the bales, steam rising from the stack, and moisture build-up on the roof or iron or under tarps or coverings.

There were also telltale signs if a haystack started to slope.