Frost, now and in the future

This project aims to build knowledge informing grower and advisor decisions relative to current seasonal events. A priority is to support and engage with growers inexperienced with frost and underprepared to manage effects on their profitability.

A GRDC funded project, GGA will collaborate with grower groups, DPIRD and consultants to extend outcomes of previous frost R&D investments plus further develop knowledge around decisions relative to current seasonal events.

2022 Season Support

A presentation from Consult Ag’s Garren Knell was held on March 9, 2022 providing growers with information on crop nutrition for this years upcoming crop following last years frost event. Watch the recording here.

2021 Season Support

During the 2021 growing season, experienced frost consultants can be arranged through the GGA for a “pop-up” paddock walk or to address field days in localities experiencing significant frost events where experts are able to share knowledge to inform grower decisions relative to frost events. The priority for this free service is growers intermittently affected by frost, who are inexperienced or under-prepared to manage the effects on their profitability.

2021 Frost ID ‘Pop-Up’ Field Walks

15 September 2021, 10am at Bencubbin, 3pm at Nungarin | Host group MADFIG
30 September 2021, in Yilgarn area | Host group FEAR

Frost ID Management Resources

Extensive technical resources for frost management are available through DPIRD and GRDC .

Frost tracking maps

2021 Season

Above: 2021 frost season | Interpretation – darkest purple (>12) means greater than 12 events.

2020 Season

2016 Benchmark Season

Above: shows 2016 data – worst frost in 45 years.

45 Seasons Historic Records

47 Seasons Historic Records

Above: Historical insights show the increasing severity of frost events over the past 47 years.

Above: Historical insights show the increasing occurrence, and footprint of frost events over the past 47 years.

2021 Pre-seeding workshops

In the 2021 season, growers were supported with a series of pre-seeding workshops/presentations hosted by grower groups in 9 regional locations. The latest research and strategies to minimise the impact of frost on profit was presented and participants had the opportunity to develop their own personal 2021 frost management plan with input and guidance from experts attending.

Frost Workshop Insights

Contact

GGA Program Manager Mark Holland: 0429 202 393 | mholland@gga.org.au

Project Collaborators

Partners: GRDC, DPIRD, Tarwonga Pty Ltd, (Combined Garren Knell/ConsultAG), Combined Agronomic Service, Facey Group, FBG, STC, MADFIG, SEPWA, LIFT, Holt Rock Group, Southern Dirt.