A climatology study has revealed that hailstorms are far more frequent across rural Australia than previously reported, raising urgent concerns for the country’s agriculture sector.

Published by researchers at AIR Worldwide, the findings show that regions with historically low hail reporting (including inland Queensland and Western Australia’s northwest coast) actually face significant hail risk. 

In some areas, the study showed three times more hail days than what official records captured, particularly along the heavily farmed corridor between Sydney and Brisbane.

This increase in hail frequency is exactly what KISTERS, a global environmental data technology firm, is aiming to address.

“This study confirms what farmers have suspected for years, hail is hitting them more often than official records show. Without the right data and detection systems, Australian farmers are flying blind.”

Johan Jaques, Chief Meteorologist at KISTERS.

KISTERS HailSens IoT is helping fill that critical data gap. This real-time hail detection system gives farmers the accurate, immediate information they need to respond quickly and minimise damage

How dangerous is hail to crops?

Hail is one of the most destructive and unpredictable threats to Australian agriculture, capable of wiping out an entire season’s yield in minutes.

In November 2022, a severe hailstorm tore through Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, smashing apple and pear orchards during a critical stage of the growing season. The damage was so extensive that it prompted calls for emergency support.

The Goulburn Valley isn’t just any region, it produces around half of Australia’s apples and up to 80% of the nation’s pears, making it one of the most important horticultural hubs in the country.

KISTERS launches HailSens IoT to help farmers respond faster

To address the growing threat, KISTERS developed HailSens IoT, a hail sensor that tracks hail in real time. This system provides farmers with immediate, actionable insights to protect crops and respond to hailstorms faster.

HailSens IoT measures hail size, impact force, and storm duration, delivering instant alerts and detailed storm reports. Farmers can use this real-time data to better assess hail risk, protect crops, and even expedite insurance claims.

“You can’t prevent hail, but you can be ready for it. HailSens IoT gives farmers a window of time to act and the data they need to recover faster.”

With HailSens IoT, farmers can gain greater control over unpredictable weather events, helping them make informed decisions that protect both their crops and their livelihood.

“We’re entering the age of climate-smart farming. Hyperlocal weather data is going to be as essential as seed or fertiliser, especially if we want to keep food supply stable in a volatile world.”  — Johan Jaques, Chief Meteorologist at KISTERS