Early August storms less organized but still destructive

Sporadic storms produced significant hail damage across parts of Western Canada in early August, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred Aug. 1-5.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,800 claims of crop damage during the time period.

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

One storm produced softball size hail near Alberta’s Innsfail community.

CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said some parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan saw complete crop devastation.

“Corn crops chopped down to a foot tall, canola plants turned into sticks, cereal crops completely decimated,” he said. “August 1 was the most potent day of the week in terms of claim numbers and claim damage.”

Rick Omelchenko, of Ag Direct Hail Insurance, said adjusters are working hard to stay ahead of the combines and continuous storm activity.

“Please leave adequate check strips for our adjusters to make an accurate assessment. If you have any questions call your insurers to be sure,” he said.

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

 Alberta

Crops damaged: Cereals, pulses, legumes, grasses, specialty crops

 Communities impacted include: Gliechen, Bassano, Acadia Valley, Balzac, Airdrie, Kathryn, Keoma, Rockyford, Sundre, Didsbury, Rocky Mountain House, Alhambra, Markerville, Penhold, Innisfail, Pine Lake, Huxley, Elnora, Endiang, Scapa, Red Deer, Stettler, Castor, Fleet, Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Clive, Camrose, Stony Plain, Bilby, Calahoo, Newbrook, Waskatenau, Wembley, La Glace, Valhalla, Rycroft

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, legumes, grasses, specialty crops, canola, lentils, peas

Communities impacted include: Eatonia, Maple Creek, Big River, Codette, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Wilkie, Landis, Cupar, Grenfell, Broadview, Clavet, Hudson Bay, Humboldt, Melville, Yorkton, Arborfield, Archerwill, Carrot River, Codette, Debden, Nipawin, Septre.

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Canola, Fall Rye, Soybeans, Oats, Perennial Ryegrass, Timothy Seed

Communities impacted include: Lac du Bonnet, Beausejour, Shoal Lake