Storms drop golf-ball size hail as part of Western Canada struggles with grasshoppers

Storms damaged crops across Western Canada with pea-to-golf ball size hail while part of Saskatchewan is battling a grasshopper infestation along with windy and dry conditions, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

The storms occurred June 26 – July 2.

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, Palliser Insurance, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation.

CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance, said hail activity has picked up, especially in Manitoba and Alberta.

“We are still seeing a wide variety of damages in all three provinces,” he said. “Damages also range in severity due to crop maturity. We are seeing the more advanced crops hit the hardest with less established crops absorbing the damage much better. Harvest will likely be much earlier than years past and CCHA member companies are looking to stay on top of claims as best they can.”

Darryl Tiefenbach, of Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, said the southern third of the Saskatchewan grain belt is battling large grasshopper infestations and some areas are also seeing stressed crops due to many windy days and not much precipitation.

“The prairie provinces could all use a few timely rains to help crops and pastures,” he said.

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

Alberta

Crops damaged: Wheat, canola, barley, corn silage, cereals, canola, faba beans, fax, hemp, lentils, mustard, peas, potatoes, soybeans.

Communities impacted include: Beiseker, Galahad, Acme, Ponoka, Strome, Vermilion, Vegreville, New Norway, Killam, Sedgewick, Lloydminster, Chestermere, Crossfield, Irricana, Carstairs, Didsbury, Leslieville, Eckville, Sylvan Lake, Penhold, Rimbey, Ponoka, Bashaw, Castor, Bulwark, Fleet, Throne, Consort, Monitor, Donalda, Galahad, Maskwachis,  Daysland, Strome, Lougheed, Hardisty, Edgerton, Kavanagh, Ryley, Irma, Ranfurly,  Andrew, Kitscoty, Clandonald, Dewberry, Heinsburg, Tulliby Lake, Westlock, Clyde, Grassland.

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Canola, wheat, oats, barley, soybeans, peas.

Communities impacted include: Battleford, Kenaston, Wilkie, Maymont, Warman, Yorkton, Kenaston, North Battleford, Meadow Lake, Imperial, Leoville

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Canola, wheat, barley, peas, soybeans.

Communities impacted include: Notre Dame, Minto, Sifton, Hamiota, Dauphin, Waskada Glenboro, Rossburn, Brandon, Fork River, Minitonas, Killarney, Rathwell to South of Portage, Souris, Rivers, Oak River, Austin, Macgregor.