Farmers report average hail damage claims at mid-season

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Hail damage claims across western Canada are average compared to this time last year with Saskatchewan leading in total claims filed so far this season, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

In total, CCHA companies have received more than 10,000 claims so far this year – a number that matches the total claims filed by August of 2019. CCHA companies have completed processing on about 67 percent of claims, which is more than they had processed by this time last year.

“This growing season has seen extreme weather across the prairies and our member companies have been working hard to quickly, and safely, process claims,” said Rick Omelchenko, CCHA president. “We have taken steps to keep adjusters and farmers safe as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve processed more than half of the claims so far, beating our turnaround time compared to last year. Farmers can rest assured they will have the capital they need to continue growing the high-quality affordable food Canada, and the world, relies on next season.”

CCHA members continue to gather claims data. Approximate mid-season numbers show:

  • Alberta: 2,667 claims
  • Manitoba: 1,208 claims
  • Saskatchewan: 6,002 claims

Even though Saskatchewan leads the pack with claims filed, it is still at the 5-year average for claim payments, Omelchenko said.

Claims filed in Alberta are currently close to last year’s numbers, but they are above the 5-year average for claim payments,” he said

“Alberta farmers were also faced with multiple hailstorms this season on the same locations and other risk factors such as wind, heavy rain, insects and disease,” Omelchenko said.

Manitoba is around the 5-year average on claims filed and below average loss payments to farmers, he said.

Harvest is underway in many places and hail damage is not the only factor farmers must contend with, Omelchenko said.

“Extremely hot weather across the prairies recently is pushing harvest slightly ahead of normal schedule in some places,” he said. “Farmers are also dealing with heavy rain in some areas and standing water in low spots that is making harvest challenging. Our member companies are moving fast to adjust for crop damage ahead of the combines. Farmers work hard each season to grow a great crop and we are proud to support them with hail coverage that reduces the risk they face from Mother Nature each season.”