Conditions vary across Western Canada as storms damage crops

Storms damaged crops with pea-to-toonie sized hail, heavy rain and high wind, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred June 1-25.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,000 claims of crop damage during the time period.

Companies contributing to this report are Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Palliser Insurance and Municipal Hail Insurance.

CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said crops suffered minor to severe damage.

“We’re seeing a big variety of conditions in all provinces of Western Canada,” McQueen said.  “Some areas are experiencing severe drought while others have normal to excellent moisture.”

Adjusters may need to defer assessment until a later date, in some cases, to accurately assess damage due to the stage of the crops, said Yves Dooper of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.

Here’s a look at storm damage across the region.

Alberta

Crops damaged: Cereals, corn, canola, peas, flax, and faba beans.

Communities impacted include: Eckville, Red Deer, Pine Lake, Stettler, Clive, Forestburg, Ponoka, Youngstown, Oyen, Consort, Brownfield, Holden, Mannville, Vermillion, Kitscoty, Paradise Valley, Two Hills, Myrnam, Clandonald, Marwayne, Oyen, Lloydminster, Wainwright.

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: peas, soybeans, lentils, canola and other crops.

Communities impacted include: Foam Lake, Ponteix, Wymark, Battleford, Cudworth, Shaunavon, Burr, Bruno, Unity, North Battleford, Leask, Melville, Coronach.

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Cereals, grain corn, silage corn, soybeans, canola, beans, wheat.

Communities impacted include: Rivers, Hamiota, Swan River, Austin, MacGregor, Bagot, Westbourne, Rapid City, Glenboro, Boissevain, Brandon, North of Roblin, Virden.