Key Takeaways:
- Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company Chief, Randy Acker, provided a wealth of information on fire safety around the farm, including silo gas. One of several gases that is a byproduct of silage fermentation, nitrogen dioxide is highly toxic and in high concentrations can lead to collapse or death. Even low-level exposure could lead to respiratory distress, fatigue, or nausea. Nitrogen dioxide can be dangerous to humans and livestock, so it’s important to ensure proper ventilation in and around silos during fermentation.
- Dr. Greg Martin with Penn State Extension shared important information on best practices for on-farm emergency preparedness, including creating a farm-specific emergency plan with the address, several contacts, and written directions to the property. Also, make sure to include a detailed map with a layout of the property, outlining the location of flammable materials (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) and hay storage, livestock housing (with approx. head counts), water and fuel sources, utility shutoff points/generators, confined spaces, and safe areas to compost/burial. To view an emergency response plan template, click here.
- Jennifer Metzler, Pleasant View Farms, recounted a devastating barn fire that happened on their dairy farm in 2023. She also mentioned several proactive measures they implemented, which included increasing on-farm signage, regular employee fire safety trainings, and installing a fire alarm and monitoring system.
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