Agriculture Victoria regional grains manager Felicity Pritchard said grain growers also have access to new tools for forecasting frosts through the Bureau of Meteorology and tips for practical strategies for managing better for frost.
These topics were explored in detail in a recent Agriculture Victoria webinar with BOM’s Jonathan How and South Australian agricultural consultant Mick Faulkner.
Ms Pritchard said the resources were important given the wet start to the season and forecast dry spring conditions for the major grain growing areas of Victoria, which brings with it a heightened risk of late frosts.
“Crops that fail due to frost, moisture stress or other limiting factors may be cut for silage or hay as an economically viable option,” she said.
“The new webpage highlights for growers the key factors they need to consider to make sound and timely decisions.
“The webinar helps them to understand their risk of a potential frost up to seven days out and to provide greater confidence in making decisions.
“It also provides strategies to mitigate the risk of frost damage in future seasons, including zoning of paddocks with different management techniques, based on frost risk.”
Ms Pritchard also encouraged growers to join the ‘Better Frost Decisions’ Facebook group for more information on identifying and responding to frost over the 2023 season and assistance with planning for future seasons.
The group is part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation investment to deliver frost extension activities in the southern region and is managed by Mallee Sustainable Farming.
To find the Cutting failed crops for hay or silage webpage, go to: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/grains-pulses-and-cereals/crop-production/general-agronomy/cutting-failed-crops-for-hay-or-silage
The ‘Better Frost Decisions’ Facebook address is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterfrostdecisions
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