Encouraging Fire Safety for Barn Owners

Jan 25, 2016

From OMAFRA

Barn fires can cause a devastating loss of livestock and assets for owners in addition to emotional and economic hardships for families, businesses and communities.

There are best practices to follow to reduce the risk of barn fires:

Have a qualified professional complete assessments of all farm buildings
Have all electrical equipment inspected yearly by a licensed electrical contractor, including wiring, mechanical and heating systems
When heat lamps are required, protect the immediate area with non-combustible sheathing, keep the area around the heat lamp clear of clutter or bedding materials that could catch fire and only use heat lamps with the CSA or ULC label
Establish good housekeeping practices - eliminate clutter inside and outside the buildings to the risk of fire spreading
Be sure to check exposed electrical equipment for corroded parts and repair all damaged fixtures or equipment as soon as possible
Avoid storing dangerous fuels and chemicals such as gasoline, cleaning fluids or solvents inside barns
Ensure that all applicable regulations are followed when constructing or renovating farm buildings
Make sure all equipment and motors are in good working condition, and free from dust and debris
Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand
Make sure a reliable source of water is available and easily accessible by fire departments.

Owners of farm buildings are encouraged to follow these best management practices when working with livestock in farm buildings. Planning ahead to reduce risks and prevent accidents will help protect employees, family members and animals.

Video: How to Maximize Swine Profitability with U.S. Soy

Are you looking for ways to maximize profitability in swine production? Leading animal nutritionists talk about the "soy effect," asserting the value of using soybean meal (SBM) made from U.S. Soy when formulating feed rations. In this video, Dr. David Rosero, assistant professor at Iowa State University, explains the soy effect and four key reasons for including soybean meal in swine diets for optimal performance and profitability.

Four Pillars of Soybean Meal in Swine Nutrition:
1. Energy Contribution of Soybean Meal in Commercial Diets
2. Soybean Meal as a Functional Bioactive for Animal Health
3. Soybean Meal as a High-Value Protein Source During Late Finisher Diets
4. Soybean Meal-Based Diets to Mitigate Summer Weight Dip
The proven consistency and quality exhibited by U.S. Soy makes for a superior nutritional bundle in animal nutrition, offering a reliable source of protein and energy for high-performing swine.