Storm Activity Sporadic Across Western Canada

Farmers reported sporadic storm activity across western Canada with pea-sized hail and a range of crop damage, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred Aug 15-29.

CCHA member companies are investigating about 700 claims made by farmers in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan during the time period.

Storms between Aug. 24 and Aug. 29 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan were the most severe, resulting in more than 500 claims of hail damage filed with two CCHA member companies.

Pea-sized hail was reported resulting in minor to moderate damage to cereals, soybeans, canola, corn, sunflowers and other crops.

“A large amount of rain came with the storms,” said Brendan Blight of Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation. “We are busy now trying to stay ahead of the combines as harvest is well underway in Manitoba.”

In other communities across western Canada, farmers made dozens of claims of hail damage during the time period to all types of crops as the growing season nears its end.

CCHA member companies continue to process claims and get much-needed relief to farmers.

Murray Bantle, of Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, said June adjustments are complete. The company’s number of claims are below the 5-year average in June. July adjustments are nearly complete with claims numbers coming in above average. August is more than half complete with claims coming in below average, he said.

CCHA continues to urge farmers to contact their member company with any questions about leaving adequate samples for adjusters to assess crop damages.

For more: cropinsuranceincanada.org

####

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. Our companies service agriculture producers in the western prairies. These private and government organizations together provide a risk management tool to the Western Canadian prairie farmer. Members are Additional Municipal Hail Ltd. (Saskatchewan), Ag Direct Hail Insurance Ltd, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (Alberta), Canadian Hail Agencies Inc., Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Palliser Insurance Company Ltd. and Rain and Hail Insurance Service Ltd.