Please explore a collection of resources relating to minimising frost losses through frost identification and management below.
GRDC Frost Management Resources: View a variety of tools for growers, grouped by pre-season, in-season, or post frost event.
GRDC Tips for Identifying Frost Damage: Learn how to identify frost damage on cereals, canola and pulses.
GRDC Options for Frost Affected Crops: Three options to explore if a crop has been affected by frost to assist with minimising frost losses.
2017 BCG Article – Frost, sending a shiver down your back: View some key messages regarding frost management discussed at the 2017 BCG Main Field Day.
2017 BCG Article – ‘Frost-E’ News: Kelly Angel discusses some considerations that can affect the severity of frost damage.
GRDC Recovering from Frost: A list of key points to consider if your business has been affected by frost damage.
Properly identifying and managing frost damage is a critical step in minimising frost losses, especially during seasons when crops are already moisture stressed. Frost can have varying impacts on crop yield and quality depending on the crop type, growth stage, and the severity and duration of the frost event. Early identification of frost damage enables farmers to make timely decisions about harvest planning, crop management, and potential adjustments to end uses, all of which can significantly mitigate financial and productivity losses.
The resources provided offer practical guidance on assessing frost damage across different crop types, including cereals, canola, and pulses. These resources outline how to inspect crops for symptoms such as shriveled grain in cereals, translucent or discolored pods in pulses, and damaged stems or flowers in canola. They also present management strategies tailored to each crop type. For instance, they include advice on alternative uses such as cutting for hay or silage if frost damage is extensive, adjusting harvest timings to preserve quality, or utilizing decision-support tools to calculate yield and profit outcomes.
