Adjusters work to stay ahead of harvest as storms slow
Insurance adjusters are working seven days a week to stay ahead of harvest in Western Canada as hailstorms become less frequent but still destructive, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.
The storms occurred Aug. 15-21.
CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,300 claims of crop damage during the time period.
Companies contributing to this report are Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Additional Municipal Hail Insurance, Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, AG Direct Hail Insurance, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation and Palliser Insurance
CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said crops are ready for harvest or close to being ready, which leaves them susceptible to hail.
“As the season rolls on, producer awards continue to increase in size,” he said. “Small storms can still produce heavy damage because of the condition of the crop. Producers are in the full swing of harvest and many are working day and night. Fields have been opened up and many are swathed. Adjusters are working seven days a week trying to get to as many clients as possible to avoid leaving samples in the field.”
Tyson Ryhorchuk, of Rain and Hail Insurance Service, said adjusters are working hard to attend to claims as quickly as possible in this extremely busy time of year.
“If farmers have claims and need to harvest damaged fields, we ask that they review the harvest strip instructions and adhere to the check strip requirements for their chosen company,” he said.
Here’s a look at storm damage across the region.
Alberta
Crops damaged: Barley, canola, corn, faba bean, flax, mustard, oats, peas, potatoes, and wheat
Communities impacted include: Hillard, Wildwood, Nobleford, Coalhurst, Mundare, Monarch, Barons, Vegreville, Claresholm, Spring Creek, Woking, Rivière Qui Barre, Chipman, Hilliard, Warwick, Granum.
Saskatchewan
Crops damaged: Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, wheat, peas, durum, canary, lentils
Communities impacted include: Churchbridge, Fillmore, Francis, Montmartre, Osage, Richardson, Wawota, Biggar, Gladmar, Shellbrook, Craik, Lumsden, Maryfield, Ceylon, Chamberlain, Cudworth, Kendal, Weyburn, Odessa, Lagenburg, Norquay, Francis, Alvena, Canora, Creelman, Choiceland, Smeaton, Stenen, Carnduff.
Manitoba
Crops damaged: Canola, cereals, peas, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, flax
Communities impacted include: Deloraine, Grandview, Bowsman, Swan River, Boissevain, Hamiota, Pierson, Rossburn, Strathclair, Brandon, Crystal City, Swan River, Rathwell.