Better frost decisions autumn workshop for growers – Farrell Flat

A series of workshops will be conducted across southern Australia during the autumn 2021 period for grain growers who are interested in learning how to better understand and manage frost risk. The latest research, and risk management strategies will be presented in the workshop, utilising a range of innovative tools and approaches.

The workshops have been developed by leading experts on frost management, including Dr Peter Hayman, Mick Faulkner, Michael Moodie and Kenton Porker, who will all be involved in delivering the workshops. There will be plenty of opportunity for Q&A and farmer discussions, aimed at exploring the practical aspects of managing frost on-farm and developing locally relevant strategies.

The workshops will run for approximately 4 hours. Participants will also have the opportunity to identify local frost risk R,D&E needs, and provide this feedback to the GRDC, who are supporting this workshop initiative through the Better Frost Decisions project.  This initiative is part of a national GRDC investment through the project “Applying current knowledge to inform grower decision making to mitigate the impact of frost, now and in the future”.

WORKSHOP AIMS

• Increase grower awareness and understanding relating to the threat of frost on farm, options available to reduce frost risk and the importance of mapping frost risk across an entire farm.
• Growers are able to make better decisions on variety selection and sowing time in the different frost risk zones on their farms for this coming season.

WORKSHOP PROGRAM

The workshop program is highly interactive, and has been designed to take into consideration local climate characteristics. The 4 hour program will include the following topics of discussion:

1. Introductions and workshop aims.
2. Frost and risk in a changing climate.
3. Zoning strategies on-farm.
4. Avoidance, tolerance and mitigation management options.
Short break
5. Climate and temperature scenarios.
6. Whole farm frost risk management and impact on profitability.
7. Q&A and the key take-home messages.
8. Five-minute feedback evaluation and research priorities

Cost (in AUD$): Free