Higher temperatures are coming. With high temperatures it is important to keep an eye on our hay moisture and temperatures to prevent barn fires. Hay fires are caused when bacteria in wet hay create so much heat that the hay spontaneously combusts in the presence of oxygen. At over 20% moisture mesophilic bacteria release heat-causing temperature to rise between 130°F to 140ºF with temperature staying high for up to 40 days. As temperatures rise, thermophilic bacteria can take off in your hay and raise temperature into the fire danger zone of over 175°F. To learn how to prevent hay barn fires by accessing risks and checking temperatures, access the full article on Ohio State University Extension’s C.O.R.N Newsletter.