A late spring cold snap ripped through western and central Victoria this month, causing extensive agricultural damage. Older farmers in the region say it was ‘the worst frost since 1977.’ Agriculture Victoria’s southwest grains regional manager Rob O’Shannessy estimated farmer losses from the frosts at A$100 – 180 million (US$76 – 137 million). This included frost damage this month, as well as earlier,
smaller frosts in the North East and northern Wimmera. However, the figure is expected to climb once losses for Grampians and Pyrenees wine grapes and Swan Hill stonefruit are factored in. O’Shannessy said the worst-affected area was a region bordered by Tatyoon, Lake Bolac, Skipton, St Arnaud, Kaniva, Warracknabeal, and Stawell. The first and worst widespread frost hit on November 4. Typical first frost is November 10. READ MORE
