Ag Minute: Fire and Forage Challenges During Drought Conditions

Harvest season has arrived across central Illinois, but this year, farmers are contending with more than just yield concerns. Persistent drought has turned fields into tinderboxes, creating conditions where even the smallest spark can ignite a dangerous fire. A dragging chain, a failing bearing in a combine, or a buildup of fine dust on an engine can all become ignition sources, and with fall winds blowing across parched landscapes, minor flare-ups can quickly become fast-moving field fires. Officials are warning producers to take these risks seriously as they head into the busiest weeks of the year.

Prevention is the first line of defense. Farm leaders urge operators to clean equipment daily, blow off dust and crop residue from engines, inspect wiring, belts, and bearings for wear, and keep debris away from hot surfaces. Every combine and tractor should be equipped with at least two fire extinguishers — one mounted in the cab and another accessible from the ground — and farmers should stage water tanks or nurse trailers near fields for additional protection. Harvesting during cooler, less windy parts of the day lowers the chance of flames spreading, and keeping a tractor with a disc on hand allows a quick fire break if needed. Officials also remind rural residents to avoid open burning or other spark-producing activities, as many counties have already issued or are considering burn bans due to the severe conditions.

Despite preparation, fires can still happen, and knowing how to respond can make the difference between a scare and a catastrophe. Safety experts stress that the first action should be to call 911 immediately, as rural fire departments often rely on volunteers and need time to mobilize. If equipment is in the fire’s path, shut it down and move it out of danger only if it can be done safely. Attack small flare-ups with extinguishers as soon as they appear, and if conditions allow, use a tractor and disc to create a soil barrier between the flames and unburned crop. Always stay upwind to avoid smoke and heat, and know when to step back; no piece of equipment is worth risking your life.

The drought’s impact goes beyond fire risk. Livestock producers are also feeling the squeeze as flash droughts force them to tap into hay reserves earlier than planned, tightening supplies and driving up costs. Experts recommend testing hay to determine its nutrient content so rations can be supplemented precisely, reducing waste and unnecessary expense. Strategic culling of less productive animals can help stretch feed supplies while markets are still favorable. Limiting hay access to set feeding windows instead of free-choice feeding can also reduce overconsumption if all animals have access simultaneously. The type of feeder used matters as well: cone feeders and other low-waste designs can significantly reduce hay loss compared to open rings or less efficient systems, and farmers are advised not to mix feeder types, as cattle tend to favor easier-access options, leaving wasted hay in others.

This harvest season, fire prevention and forage management are two sides of the same challenge. By maintaining equipment, preparing for emergencies, adopting feeding strategies to extend hay reserves, and staying vigilant about burn bans and fire hazards, farmers can protect their operations, safeguard their communities, and weather one of the driest stretches in recent memory.