Final report: Hail insurance industry sets record crop coverage

The crop hail industry set yet another record with nearly $10 billion in crop hail coverage – a 20 percent increase over last year.

Producers who waited to purchase hail coverage late in 2022 likely had a problem finding it due to the unanticipated demand.

With continued strong crop pricing, combined with increasing input costs, rising fuel costs and record inflation, producers increased record crop hail coverages to ensure adequate coverage was placed on their crops.

Claim activity was at or slightly below the 5-year average. Producer premiums totaled $265 million, which was slightly above the 5-year average. This resulted in an industry loss ratio of 71 percent – down from last year but still a significant impact on participating companies.

Prairie farmers faced mixed conditions at the beginning of the season.

Alberta seeding and conditions were at or near normal despite the south being persistently dry through the winter. Timely rains helped progress crops.

Saskatchewan had an early start in the south and west portions of the province with drought like conditions still a concern along the west corridor. The dry conditions provided some impact on crop production. The east side of the province battled a cool damp spring hampering and delaying early seeding progress. A dry fall season helped to ensure that all crops were harvested. Overall crop reports indicate an average to above average production year for most producers.

After a record dry 2021, Manitoba had a very wet start to the 2022 growing season. Saturated soils delayed seeding by up to four weeks in parts of the province. A warm and moderate summer allowed most crops to catch up to near normal development. Harvest rain caused some delays and extending harvest beyond the average.

Storm frequency was below average in 2022. The number of days producing active weather was below average for most provinces. With the record coverage, the cost per claim quickly built like the clouds that cause the hail. What appears to have been an average season for storms and claims endured record high claim payments.

Manitoba’s average claim was 20 percent higher than the 5-year average. Saskatchewan’s average claim was 45 percent higher and Alberta was 41 percent higher.

2022 received fewer than average storm days throughout the summer, but the cost per claim made up for the decrease in storm days. June was the only month that provided more storm day activity than the average across much of the prairies.  With June more active than normal, the year overall ended up with about 20 percent less active days from the 5-year average.

Hardest hit was Alberta with an industry loss ratio of 98 percent compared to 2021’s 97 percent. Saskatchewan followed with a 68 percent loss ratio, compared to 133 percent in 2021.  Manitoba reported a 43 percent loss ratio compared to 21 percent in 2021.

The Canadian prairie storm season runs June through October. This year July, August, and September saw reduced storm activity. Though claim day activity for the year saw a decrease, the 5-year average for claim frequency, or number of claims to policy, saw an increase of 28 percent – meaning more claims were filed with limited storms.

Alberta crop hail results continue to be clouded with storm activity

Alberta’s storm activity resulted in heavier-than-average loss expense for the industry. The claim-to-policy ratio was 18 percent above the 5-year average.  Average cost per claim saw an increase of more than 41 percent of the 5-year average.  More than $94 million was paid out to Alberta producers in hail claims.

Total sums insured saw 14 percent increase from 2021, with average rates charged reporting a slight increase likely due to industry results.

Saskatchewan records average hail loss year

2022 was a below average loss year for Saskatchewan based on cost of losses to sums insured. However, the loss results show a different story with an average paid loss ratio of 68 percent. The claim to policy ratio was 36 percent higher than average, and average claim paid 45 percent higher than average, resulting in $143 million being paid to producers.

Total sums insured saw a 26 percent increase year-over-year, likely due to the increase crop prices and cost related to inputs.

The industry average rate charged appears to have reached its lowest historic point last year.  A small increase was realized in the 2022 year.

Manitoba records positive results despite the late start to the season.

Seeding was later than normal due a very wet spring. Saturated soils delayed seeding by up to 4 weeks in areas.  A warm moderate summer followed in July, allowing crops to nearly catch up to normal development.  A later harvest with a few rain delays led to an extended harvest.

Manitoba’s hail season saw below average hail activity. Like the other provinces however average cost per claim was higher than the 5-year average. The combination of lighter activity and increased cost per claim provided a higher-than-average loss ratio at 43 percent, resulting in $31 million being paid to producers.

Manitoba’s most expensive storm occurred in the southwest corner on Aug. 23.

Total sums insured saw an increase of over 25 percent from 2021 with average rates mostly remaining flat.

CCHA sets coverage record in 2022

The crop hail industry provided a record-setting $10 billion in coverage as producers purchased more insurance in the wake of increasing input costs, inflation and strong crop prices, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

Producers who waited to purchase hail coverage late in 2022 likely had a problem finding it due to the unanticipated 20-percent increase in demand.

“Our member companies worked hard to cover as many producers as possible across the prairie” said Scott McQueen, CCHA president. “We encourage producers to plan for their 2023 insurance needs early and contact a CCHA company soon so we may help with the process.”

Insurance payments to prairie producers will total more than $265 million. Producer premiums totaled more than $375 million for an industry loss ratio of 71 percent.

Alberta was the hardest hit with an industry loss ratio of 98 percent compared to 2021’s 97 percent. Saskatchewan followed with a 68 percent loss ratio, compared to 133 percent in 2021.  Manitoba reported a 43 percent loss ratio compared to 21 percent in 2021.

“We are proud to have helped prairie farmers once again weather the impacts of Mother Nature and have the resources they will need next year to grow the food we rely on,” McQueen said. “We thank our adjusters who responded to unprecedented market demand and worked to ensure farmers received payments quickly after claims.”

CCHA members have completed final hail damage claims.

Storms hit crops with marble size hail in Western Canada

Storms produced marble size hail resulting in light to complete crop damage across Western Canada has harvest continues, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred Aug. 22-Sept. 1.

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

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

CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said late season storms have impacted mature crops.

“Crops are now mature and ripe in most areas and harvest is within the 5-year average for this time of the year,” he said. “Ripe standing crops are not able to sustain the hail damage as well as crops hit in the swath and we are seeing this in our claimed acres. Storms have produced marble sized hail and damaged areas have reported light damage to complete loss of crop. Light to medium hail losses have been the trend this growing season as well as high winds and rain accompanying hailstorms.”

He said higher than normal temperatures are helping turn the crop ready for harvest.

“Harvest is underway for most producers,” he said. “As shared previously, we encourage farmers to use adequate samples test strips for adjusters if hailed fields need to be harvested. If you are unsure what to leave, please contact your crop hail insurance provider for help.”

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

Alberta

Crops damaged: Alfalfa, barley, canola, corn, flax, lentils, mustard, oats, peas, sugar beets, triticale, wheat.

 Communities impacted include: Cardston, Magrath, Milk River, Warner, Fort Macleod, Okotoks, Blackie, Gleichen, Bassano, Gem, Acadia Valley, Barrhead.

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Wheat, canola, barley, oats, lentils, peas.

Communities impacted include: Consul, Assiniboia, Briercrest, Central Butte, Coderre, Colonsay, Coronach, Humboldt, Kenaston, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current, Viceroy, Weyburn, Willow Bunch, Choiceland, D’Arcy, Desisle, Dundurn, Eatonia, Fiske, Holdfast, Langham, Lloydminster, Norquay, Plenty, Saskatoon, St. Denis, Stranraer, Wakaw, Weyburn, Arcola, Beechy, Watrous, Ogema, Ceylon, Herschel, Blaine Lake, Buchanan, Stornoway, Alida, Beechy.

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Soybean, canola, wheat, oats, peas, cereals, corn, greenfeed, pintos, soybeans, flax.

Communities impacted include: Foxwarren, Boissevain, Brandon, Deloraine, Goodlands, Harney, Mariapolis, Medora, Melita, Minto, Nesbitt, Souris, St. Alphonse, Stanley, Wawanesa, Winkler, Birtle, Oakburn, Crystal City, Pilot Mound.

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.

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

Insurance companies remain on schedule in assessing hail damage

Insurance companies continue to urge growers to leave adequate samples of damaged crops as they assess hailstorm damage across Western Canada, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred July 25-31.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,200 claims of crop damage during the time period.

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

CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said mid-to-late July brought more intense storms producing heavy damage in Saskatchewan and Alberta. July 31 produced the bulk of the claims for his company with damage raging from light to heavy.

“Companies are still on time when it comes to assessing damage,” he said. “If you are harvesting your crops, please leave adequate samples for your adjuster. If you are not sure what to leave, give your insurance provider a call and they will help you out.”

Darryl Tiefenbach, of Additional Municipal Hail Insurance, also said the west-central border between Saskatchewan and Alberta appears to have been hit the hardest.

“We will expect to see some very severe hailstorm damage to all crop types,” he said. “This storm travelled in a northwest to southeast path with the core of the storm through Kindersley, Eston and Glidden.”

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

 Alberta

Crops damaged: Barley, canola, corn, faba beans, lentils, oats, onions, peas, potatoes, rutabaga, rye, triticale, wheat.

 Communities impacted include: Cremona, Munson, Sundre, Condor, Leslieville, Blackfalds, Wetaskiwin, Millet, Riley, Holden, Daysland, Rosalind, Heisler, Forestburg, Alliance, Castor, Coronation, Veteran, Brownfield, Hughenden, Edgerton, Chauvin, McLaughlin, Paradise Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Worsley, Hines Creek, Fairview, Bluesky, Eaglesham, Girouxville, Guy, Grande Prairie

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Cereals, oilseeds and pulses

Communities impacted include: White Fox, Luseland, Viceroy, Bengough, Canora, Kamsack, Senlac, Macklin, Marengo, Eatonia, Kindersley, Glidden, Eston, Milden, Beechy, Rush Lake, Hodgeville, Mortlach, Chaplin, Goodeve, Lampman, Swift Current, Eston, Herbert, Kindersley, Kyle, Morse, Rickglen, Rosetown, Tramping Lake, Waldeck

Manitoba

Crops damaged: All types.

Communities impacted include: Manitou, Darlingford, Broad Valley, Roblin.

Growers urged to leave adequate crop samples as harvest approaches

Storms damaged crops with hail as large as baseballs across Western Canada and growers are urged to leave adequate samples for adjusters as harvest approaches, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred July 18-24.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,500 claims of crop damage during the time period.

Companies contributing to this report are Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Additional Municipal Hail, Palliser Insurance Company

CCHA President Scott McQueen of Palliser Insurance said storms produced pea to baseball size hail across the region

“Southern Alberta experienced severe hail events with strong winds and baseball sized hail,” he said. “Heavy damage to all crop types was reported in isolated areas. Saskatchewan also saw severe damage but not nearly the impact Alberta had. Manitoba experienced smaller isolated storms with the damage ranging from light to heavy.”

Yves Dooper, of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, said some growers are attempting to salvage their crop, begin harvest or in a few cases replant the damaged area to another crop and, with the current claim load, adjusters may not inspect all claims before something is done with the fields.

“Producers are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to ensure they leave the appropriate amount of crop for the adjuster to assess,” he said.

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

Alberta

Crops damaged: all major crops, lentils, peas, wheat, durum, corn, mustard, potatoes, sugar beets, dry beans, hybrid canola seed, mint, and dill.

Communities impacted include:. Ponoka, Galahad, Lethbridge, Taber, Glenwood, Standoff, Coalhurst, Picture Butte, Iron Springs, Enchant, Aetna, Milk River, Warner, Gahern, Wrentham, Bow Island, Redcliff, Bassano, Gleichen, Langdon, Airdrie, Schuler, Hoadley, Ponoka, Bluffton, Lacombe, Delburne, Big Valley, Hanna, Red Willow, Halkirk, Castor, Coronation, Veteran, Consort, Warburg, Elk Point, Fort Assiniboine

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Cereal, oilseed and pulses Lentils, peas, wheat, durum, corn, mustard

Communities impacted include: Fox Valley, Frobisher, Indian Head, Lampman, Rockglen, Tramping Lake, Dinsmore, Redvers, Alameda, Estevan, Nipawin, Oxbow, Zenon Park, Rockhaven, Bradwell, Davidson, Glen Bain, Gravelbourg, Alida, West of Arborfield, Torquay, Estevan, Bienfait, Chamberlain, Yorkton.

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Cereals, pulses and oilseeds

Communities impacted include: Boissevain, Killarney, Pilot Mound, Winkler.

Storm damage increases as crops mature across Western Canada

Storms continue to result in light-to-medium damage in most areas but maturing crops mean significant losses in some cases, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred July 11-17.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 2,100 claims of crop damage during the time period.

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

CCHA President Scott McQueen of Palliser Insurance said adjusters are seeing heavier damage to all types of crops.

“As crops mature, they become more susceptible to hail and therefore payments start to increase leading up to harvest,” he said. “We are also seeing complete crop devastation in isolated areas with golf ball size hail. Light to medium hail is still the trend right now with odd small areas receiving total destruction. Harvest in some areas is right around the corner so we encourage farmers to leave adequate samples for adjusters. If you are unsure what to leave, please contact your crop hail insurance provider for help.”

Murray Bantle, of Co-operative Hail Insurance, said the most severe storms occurred on July 17.

“Three major cells along, with various pop-up cells, created the largest storms of the week resulting in 60 percent of the claims,” he said. “A storm tracking west from the Alberta border left a 110-kilometer line of damage from Kerrobert east to Biggar. Early reports indicate this area has some severe crop damage. A second storm line caused sporadic damage over a 400-kilometer line from Elbow tracking southeast to Redvers continuing on to Manitoba. The third cell, 100 kilometers long, stretched from Ogema to Oungre on an east-southeast path.”

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

 Alberta

Crops damaged: cereals, Oilseeds, pulses, legumes barley, canola, corn, faba bean, flax, forages, lentils, oats, peas, potatoes, rye, triticale, wheat, oats and silage crops.

 Communities impacted include: Carstairs, Didsbury, Linden, Sundre, Eagle Hill, Olds, Torrington, Three Hills, Stauffer, Penhold, Red Deer, Delburne, Rocky Mountain House, Condor, Eckville, Sylvan Lake, Bentley, Lacome, Alix, Leahurst, Alliance, Bluffton, Crestomere, Ponoka, Bashaw, Maskwacis, Coronation, Veteran, Consort, Monitor, Hanna, Sedelia, New Brigden, Trochu, Galahad, Ponoka, Stettler, Provost.

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: cereals, oilseeds, pulses, lentils, pea, wheat, durum, canola, oats, barley

Communities impacted include: Southey, Craik, Holdfast, Avonhurst, Duvall, Earl Grey, Edenwold, Esterhazy, Imperial, Odessa, Southey, Strasbourg, Vibank, Warman, Bulyea, Markinch, Redvers, Whitewood, Biggar, Brownlee, Central Butte, Ceylon, Chamberlain, Handel, Kerrobert, Landis, Loreburn, Luseland, Manor, Montmartre, Moose Jaw, Odessa, Oungre, Radville, Tribune, Tugaske, Wawota, Weyburn, Allan, Kenaston, Govan, Stalwart, Pilot Butte, Balgonie, Wolsley, Francis, Cupar, Qu’Appelle, Grenfell, Moosomin, Kerrobert, Kelfield, Loreburn, Bethune, Marquis, Pangman, Ceylon, Duval, Regina, Pense, Kerrobert, Macklin, Weyburn, Kenaston, Davidson, Major, Viscount.

Manitoba

Crops damaged: cereals, oilseeds, pulses, edible beans, canola, soybeans, potatoes, wheat, hemp, peas, oats.

Communities impacted include: Winkler, Minto, Brandon, Margaret, Nesbitt, Ninette, Boissevain, Wawanesa, Souris.

For more information and past reports: cropinsuranceincanada.org

Crop damage moderate after recent storms

Hail damage ranged from light to medium after recent storms across Western Canada and insurance adjusters remain on pace to complete claims in a timely manner, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred June 25-July 2.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,450 claims of crop damage during the time period.

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

Some areas are also affected by drought. Later seeding and cooler temperatures have affected crop maturity. Other areas very wet and that has delayed access to the fields but adjusters are still able to complete most claims quickly.

CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance Company, said the adjuster force is working across all three provinces.

“Damage continues to be light to medium in most areas,” he said. “Crops seem more advanced in Alberta compared to Saskatchewan and Manitoba.”

Yves Dooper, of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, adjusters with his company are currently focused on storms from June 1-July 22.

“The stage of the crop and the severity of some damage will result in our adjusters deferring settlement in some cases to assess the loss more accurately, but many claims will be settled on the first visit,” he said.

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

Alberta

Crops damaged: Cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and a few specialty crops.

 Communities impacted include: Barrhead, Camrose, New Norway, Eckville, Sylvan Lake, Penhold, Innisfail, Olds, Beiseker, Three Hills, Morin, Drumheller, Hanna, Rockyford, Delia, Holden, Wainright, Penhold, High River, Brooks, Oyen, Trochu, Bowden, Acadia Valley, Vermilion, Strathmore, Leslieville, Condor, Spruceview, Disdbury, Torrington, Elnora, Rumsley, Chestermere, Langdon, Lyalta, Aldersyde, Carseland, Mossleigh, Schuler, Rosemary, Hussar, Hay Lakes, Viking and Irma.

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Cereals, oilseeds, pulses, canola, barley, wheat, peas and lentils.

Communities impacted include: Neilberg, Meota, Biggar, Kenasten, Imperial, Strasbourg, Southey, Regina Beach, Regina, Vibank, Esterhazy, Choiceland, Meath Park, Naicam, Wilkie Saskatoon, Langenburg, Burstall, Leader, Sceptre, Eatonia, Glidden, Shamrock, Govan, Leross, Semans, Wilcox, Arran, Major, Luseland, Radville, Ceylon, Minton, Jansen, Melville Leader, Naicam, Southey, Major, Abbey, Cabri, Fox Valley, Gull Lake, Leader, Prelate,Swift Current, Archerwill, Grayson, Yorkton, Kerrobert and Minton.

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Cereals, oilseeds, pulses, wheat, oats, soybeans, canola, buckwheat, grain corn, barley, field peas, beans and silage corn.

Communities impacted include: Binscarth, St. Lazare, Shoal Lake, Minnedosa, Newdale, Plumas, Swan River, Minitonas, Snow Flake, Treherne, Crystal City, Notre Dame, Killarney, Homewood, Dugald, Fork River and Bowsman.

The Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA) has been serving the crop insurance industry since 1915. It is a member-driven organization that represents the interests of the Canadian Crop Hail managing general agencies and insurance companies. These private and government organizations together provide a risk management tool to the farmers across Canada. Members are Municipal Hail (Saskatchewan), AG Direct Hail Insurance Ltd, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (Alberta), Canadian Hail Agencies Inc, Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Rain and Hail Insurance Service Ltd., New Brunswick Agricultural Insurance Commission and Palliser Insurance Company Ltd.

 

June storms damage crops across western Canada

Growers reported mostly light storm damage to young crops across western Canada with heavy rain in some areas, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred June 20-27.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,280 claims of crop damage during the time period.

“We continue to see light damage to young crops in all three provinces,” said CCHA President Scott McQueen of Palliser Insurance. “More advanced crops are showing light to moderate damage with the odd field having severe damage. Heavy rainfall in some areas has slowed our adjuster force down, but there should be no risk of falling behind at this point.”

Yves Dooper, of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, said storms damaged barley, canary seed, canola, corn, flax, forage, lentil, mustard, oats, peas, fall rye, wheat, faba beans, forage and potatoes in central and west-central Alberta.

The storms hit communities including Carbon, Morrin, Drumheller, Lawsonburg, Sundre, Olds, Trochu, Markerville, Penhold, PineLake, Red Deer, Alix, Ponoka, Meeting Creek, Heisler, north of Killam and Sedgewick, north of Edgerton, and north of Oyen. They also hit northeast Calgary, Airdrie, Irricana, Hanna, west of Acadia Valley, Youngstown, Sedalia, Compeer, Donalda, Halkirk, north of Irma, north of Holden, Clandonald, Marwayne, Barrhead, Westlock, Thorhild, Smoky Lake and St Paul.

“Majority of damage was reported as light to medium, with a few heavy and severe cases reported,” he said.

Darryl Tiefenbach, of Additional Municipal Hail, said storms damaged all types if crops in the Saskatchewan communities of Marsden, Nipawin, Carrot River, Swift Current, Shamrock, Mossbank, Assiniboia and Balgonie.  Storms also hit communities including Burstall, Richmound, Stewart Valley, Craik, Bethune, Silton, Earl Grey, Southey, Semans, Raymore, Lipton, Melville, Yorkton, Stockholm, Churchbridge and Langenburg. St Walburg, Medstead, Glaslyn, St Brieux, Kelvington, Prince Albert, Melfort, Kenaston, Raymore and Langenburg.

He said hail was pea-to-baseball size. The damage was mostly light to possible moderate with heavy rain and wind in some areas also causing crop damage.

“For this week, the biggest storm event was the June 23 storm day,” he said. “This storm stretched from Alberta near Richmound with a path all the way across and through Langenburg and Churchbridge into Manitoba. The other days during this week were mainly isolated pop-up storms that did not travel long distances.”

Murray Bantle, of Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, said storms damaged cereal, oilseed and pulse in south and central Manitoba.

The storms produced hail of a variety of sized. Heavy rain is also a factor.

He said Manitoba is slightly above the 5-year average for claims in June. The average cost per claim is around the 5-year average so far.

In central Saskatchewan, storms damaged cereals, pulses and oilseeds.

Damaged ranged from light to heavy depending on the stage of the crop, he said. Heavy rain in some areas is also a factor in adjusting for crop damage.

He said Saskatchewan is well above the 5-year average for claims in June. With only a few claims completed the average cost per claim so far is above the 5-year average.

McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said storms damaged wheat, barley, canola, lentils, peas, and soybeans in Alberta. The storms hit communities including Three Hill, Red Deer, Torrington, Drumheller, Beiseker and Barrhead.

Hail ranged from small to medium size with rain also a factor in adjusting for crop damage.

In Saskatchewan, storms damaged wheat, durum, canola, peas, lentils and soybeans, he said. The storms hit communities including Moose Jaw, Gravelbourg, Nipawin, Choiceland, Humboldt Yorkton, Rocanville, Holdfast, Esterhazy and Langenburg.

In Manitoba, storms damaged whea, canola, barley, peas and soybeans, he said. The storms hit communities including Ste. Rose, Killarney, Sandy Lake, Strathclair, Baldur, Binscarth, Neepawa and Morden.