Your guide to keeping things running smoothly when the temperature drops

As the chill sets in and the days get shorter, Australian growers face a fresh set of challenges. Winter isn’t the time to slow down—it’s time to gear up. A bit of preparation now can save you from big headaches later.

At FreshTrack, we know how important it is to stay on top of things when the season shifts. That’s why we’ve pulled together a practical winter checklist—backed by insights from our farm management system and designed to help you stay productive, efficient, and stress-free.

Plan Your Winter Crops Strategically

Not all crops thrive in winter, so it pays to be picky. Start by diving into your historical data. Use farm record-keeping software to see what’s worked in past seasons. Then:

• Pick winter-hardy crops that suit your climate.
• Plan your rotations to keep your soil happy and disease-free.
• Use crop management software to schedule planting and track progress.

Planning smart now = better yields later.

Give Your Soil Some Love

Healthy crops start with healthy soil. Before planting, run a soil test to check for nutrient gaps.Here’s what to do next:

• Balance your soil’s pH and top up on nutrients.
• Use your farm management system to monitor moisture and spot deficiencies early.
• Try cover cropping or mulch to reduce erosion and lock in warmth and moisture.

Little steps can make a big difference underground.

Maintain Your Farm Equipment 

Winter’s tough on equipment. Wet and cold conditions can lead to unexpected breakdowns. Avoid downtime by:

• Inspecting tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
• Doing the basics—oil changes, lubrication, and filter checks.
• Storing equipment undercover where possible.

A few hours of maintenance now can save you days of drama later.

Tighten Up Your Irrigation Game

Watering in winter is a balancing act. Too little and your crops struggle. Too much and you risk rot. Here’s what to check:

• Fix any leaks or blockages in your irrigation lines.
• Adjust watering based on local rainfall and weather patterns.
• Track usage and efficiency with fresh produce management software.

Smart watering keeps your crops happy—and your bills down.

Protect Crops from Frost and Extreme Weather 

A single frost can ruin a good crop. Don’t leave it to chance. Protect your farm by:

• Using frost cloths, row covers, or windbreaks.
• Monitoring the weather with automated alerts through your farm management system.
• Considering greenhouses or high tunnels for more sensitive varieties.

Better safe than sorry.

Sort Out Inventory and Supply Chains

Winter is no time to run out of essentials. Stay stocked and ready. Here’s how:

• Keep tabs on stock levels using fresh produce management software.
• Order inputs early—beat the seasonal rush and price spikes.
• Lock in transport and supplier timelines to avoid delays.

A smooth supply chain = fewer surprises.

Let Data Drive Your Decisions

The best growers don’t just work hard—they work smart. Stay agile with:

• Real-time updates from your farm record-keeping software.
• Insights to help you adjust planting and workflows on the go.
• Forecasting tools to stay ahead of market trends and challenges.

It’s not just about working more—it’s about working better.

Stay Ahead This Winter with FreshTrack 

Winter doesn’t have to be a hurdle. With the right tools and a little forward planning, it can be an opportunity to fine-tune your farm’s systems and set yourself up for a successful season.

FreshTrack’s farm management system puts real-time data at your fingertips. Whether you’re managing crops, tracking inventory, or keeping tabs on machinery, our crop management software and farm record-keeping software help make it simple.

Stay productive. Stay protected. Stay ahead.

Get started with FreshTrack today and take control of winter—your way. Get in touch today.