Frost Protection

Unfortunately, crops are very susceptible to the weather, especially the cold. Two crops, grapes, and blackcurrant are very prone to freezing temperatures. You are probably asking yourself what makes blackcurrant or grapevines so susceptible to the cold? The actual vines are not the issue as they are just like any other shrub or tree and can endure the harshness of winter. The main concern is when these plants mature and begin to develop buds. These buds are the livelihood for growers as they will eventually evolve into wine grapes and currents that we all love and enjoy. They normally develop buds right at the tail end of winter when frosts are still occurring.

Helicopters can be a very effective tool to battle frost when a temperature inversion develops over the field at night. A temperature inversion is when the temperature increases as you get higher into the atmosphere. The blades of the aircraft mix the warmer air from above to the surface to fight frost from developing on the bud.

Heli Rural can supply 2 or more helicopters to as far north as the Marlborough region we are available at short notice and are generally half prepared to go during this time of having kept an eye on the weather patterns we know when it’s likely to be a frost night!