Widespread late-August hailstorms damage Prairie crops: report

Canadian Crop Hail Association – Storms during the last week of August produced marble sized hail, resulting in light to complete crop damage across Western Canadian fields hit by the adverse weather, according to the latest report from the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA).

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 1,000 claims of crop damage during the Aug. 22 to Sep. 1, 2022, timeframe.

“Crops are now mature and ripe in most areas and harvest is within the 5-year average for this time of the year,” said CCHA President Scott McQueen, of Palliser Insurance. “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,” he added, noting “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, said McQueen.

“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.”