How do I judge an orchard’s frost protection and wind machine setup?

Start with a map. Mark where each wind machine stands and which blocks it reaches. Low spots often face the most risk, so check whether those areas are covered. Ask which blocks have lost crop to cold in the past, and what the seller did afterward.

Then look at the machines. Ask for service records, fuel arrangements and the age of the engines, gearboxes and blades. Watch one start up if possible. A machine that fails on the coldest night protects nothing. Ask about backup, such as a second machine, spare parts on hand or other tools used alongside. Finally, learn the routine. Who watches temperatures, who decides when to run, and what is the call-out plan? If the knowledge sits with the owner or a long-time employee, ask how it would transfer. Review the crop insurance and claims history with an insurer, and ask your accountant how a bad frost year would show in the numbers. Visit in the off season too, if you can, and ask to see photographs or notes from past frost nights. Having the seller walk you through one event in detail will show how organized the response is and where it relies on luck.

Key takeaways

• Map each machine’s coverage and check low spots first.
• Review service records, fuel supply and backup for the coldest night.
• Ask who watches temperatures and how the call-out routine would transfer.