Did you know Ohio ranks 4th in the nation for the number of reported combine fires? Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1st), Iowa (2nd), Illinois (3rd), Kansas (5th), Nebraska (6th) and South Dakota (7th). While most harvester fires start in the engine compartment, other locations on the combine can be at risk for fires. The primary heat sources causing fires include faulty wiring and over-heated bearings. Fuel sources for the fires can vary between leaking fuel or hydraulic oil, dry crop residues, and nests in engine compartments or exhaust manifolds from birds and wildlife.

Some farmers could be starting their wheat harvest over the next week and a half. According to the USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service office, Ohio’s farmers will harvest 610,000 acres of winter wheat this summer, which is a 5% increase over 2021. The price for wheat is strong at over $10 a bushel and it is looking to be a good crop this year.