Lightning, one of natures most powerful forces, can cause a great deal of damage, particularly in a farm environment. A lightning strike can start fires in buildings, damage electrical equipment, and electrocute humans and livestock. Losses from lightning can be very costly. Replacing buildings, equipment or livestock disrupts farm operations and incurs considerable expense, and of course a human life can not be replaced. This factsheet covers characteristics of lightning, principles of lightning protection, lightning hazards and protection systems as well as personal safety.