Harvest time can be tough to navigate for producers, especially this year, as the fields are incredibly dry, increasing the risks of combine fires and field fires.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, University of Illinois Extension Commercial Ag Educator Reagan Tibbs told the Hart Media Group the increased risk of field fires and combine fires has resulted in a few across the area, but thankfully nothing chronic.

Once the crop is out of the ground, producers will begin preparing the ground for the next growing season. Tibbs anticipates cover crop plans being impacted by the drought - especially if significant rain doesn't fall soon.

One of the top factors for a lack of field fires, specifically, has been the calm days with minimal wind. While some wind is expected in the next few days, Tibbs notes soil erosion is going to be a concern if we don't get some significant rain soon.

We'll have more from Tibbs next week on Regional Radio when he addresses other safety reminders for producers during harvest and discusses the latest in ag policy.