Less Frequency of Hail Losses, Some Still Severe

The number of hail losses across Western Canada are much lower so far this year compared to previous years according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association. However, where hail has fallen, some losses have been significant.

CCHA member companies are investigating 284 claims of crop damage from storms that occurred July 27-August 2.

“The losses from the storm on July 19 [in Saskatchewan] have produced some significant numbers for us,” said Rodney Schoettler, Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance. “In some areas around Mankota crops were completely destroyed by hail. Although the affected area is small, the hail was very intense.”

The majority of the claims filed were in Alberta, where a large storm hit near Cardston on July 27.

“That storm caused significant damage across several townships,” said Bruce Lowe, AG Direct Hail Insurance.

Companies contributing to this report are AG Direct Hail Insurance, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Rain and Hail Insurance Services, and Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance.

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

Alberta

Crops damaged: Barley, Canola, Flax, Mustard, Peas, Wheat

Communities impacted include: Aetna, Botha, Burdett, Cardston, Coaldale, Dalum, Del Bonita, Donalda, Donnelly, Etzikom, Fort Macleod, Granum, Grassy Lake, Leavitt, Lomond, Manyberries, McLennan, Milk River, Purple Springs, Red Willow, Taber, Twin Butte, West Lethbridge

 Manitoba
Crops damaged: Barley, Canola, Flax, Lentils, Peas, Soybeans

Communities impacted include: Boissevain, Cromer, Dand, Minto, Treesbank, Underhill, Virden, Woodnorth

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Barley, Canola, Flax, Lentils, Peas, Soybeans, Wheat

Communities impacted include: Beechy, Blumenof, Bracken, Chorlitz, Clayden, Consul, Corbnach, East Poplar, Mankota, Moose Jaw, Redvers, Rhineland, Rosenhof, Swift Current, Vidora, Willow Bunch, Willow Creek