SCEA du Tastet, located in Reignac, Charente, France, is a leading apple orchard and vineyard with over 80 hectares of apples and 75 hectares of vines. After suffering significant losses of their crops due to frost damage in 2021 and 2022, including the devastation of 50% of their apple harvest with temperatures reaching as low as -6°C, they recognised the need for more effective frost protection measures. In 2022, the Sauvaitre family made the strategic decision to invest in frost fans, choosing initially to trial multiple brands to compare performance and return on investment.
Alongside various competitor brands, SCEA du Tastet installed two C49 FrostBoss® Frost Fans, allowing them to directly assess noise levels, coverage, and overall cost efficiency. According to Victoria Sauvaitre, who now manages the farm alongside her father, they wanted to ensure they were making the right investment, so they installed several different brands of frost fans. "The FrostBoss® Frost Fans are much quieter than their competitors on the market thanks to the use of 4 or 5 blades instead of 2. In fact, they rotate at a lower speed, around 1,750 rpm, to move an equivalent volume of air compared with the 2-blade version' says Damien Trebosc, Environmental Manager for Banton Lauret.
SCEA du Tastet found that the FrostBoss® fans were quieter, and offered more coverage, meaning that the cost per hectare was much lower than competitor brands.
The FrostBoss® C49 model, equipped with a 6-cylinder Perkins engine, demonstrated exceptional performance in protecting their crops from frost. "We have very little water, so micro-sprinkling wasn’t an option, and candles were too tedious to install and manage, hence our interest in antifreeze towers (frost fans)," says Victoria. “Their quieter operation, consuming around 20 liters of fuel per hour compared to the 30 liters per hour required by other two-blade models, offered a clear advantage in terms of both operational costs and environmental impact” continues Damien Trebosc.
In France, FrostBoss® distributor Banton Lauret is dedicated to providing 24/7 support for their customers, ensuring that servicing and spare parts are always readily available. Their around-the-clock commitment allows farmers to rest easy, knowing they have expert assistance on call for any issues that may arise. "We understand the need for immediate action during frost events. Whether it's a performance issue or a technical question, we’re here to make sure our customers' frost fans are always working at their best," says Geoffray Lassalle, sales manager for Banton Lauret.
Beyond frost protection, the FrostSmart® monitoring system added another layer of value to the Sauvaitre family, providing real-time data on fan performance, temperatures, and wind conditions. "Our servicing teams can access this platform to support growers, if necessary, in operating the towers on frosty nights, as well as for after-sales service" says Damien Trebosc of Banton Lauret.
Since the installation of the FrostBoss® Frost Fans, SCEA du Tastet has seen a substantial reduction in frost-related losses. The investment in these fans has been invaluable in preserving both their apple orchards and vineyards, and with the FrostBoss® fans in place, SCEA du Tastet is confident in facing future frost seasons and continuing to thrive as one of the region’s leading producers of apples and wine.
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