Rain in Australia's hay season causes quality issues and raises fire risks due to moisture.

Rain during the hay season in Australia is causing quality issues and increasing fire risks. Moisture has seeped into bales, especially those not stored undercover, raising the risk of combustion in drought-hit crops with high sugar levels. This disruption could tighten the market for top-quality hay. Agriculture Victoria advises regular monitoring for signs of heating and suggests looser stacking to improve air circulation. Simple tests like the crowbar method can detect internal heat, while caution is urged to avoid stack collapses and injuries.

November 30, 2024
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