What We’re Reading | Especially this year, have a plan for fire safety

By Kara Oosterhuis, RealAgriculture

It’s hot and it’s excessively dry.

Every year we seem to have this conversation about fire safety at harvest, but I think this year especially, it’s crucial that we are having the discussion.

I am no expert at this topic, however, a recent grass fire half a mile from my house — that got lucky, due to low winds, and a small shower of rain the night before — reminded me of how quick it can go.

Harvest is one of those times of the year where we just want to get the crop off as quick as we can. There are many farmers pulling long days, and in an effort to keep eyes and brains fresh, operators can sometimes end up being family members, neighbours, and others who just want to help. This community mentality is great — do not get me wrong here — but it can sometime lead to quick operational training, with fire safety left out.

‘What We’re Reading’ is a quick look at some of the issues and insights Alberta Beef Producers’ content creators and editors are reading to stay up-to-date, to broaden perspectives, and to explore issues relevant to the agriculture industry.