REGINA — While the number of claims of crop damage due to hail have been lower so far compared to previous years, losses have been significant where hail has fallen, according to a news release from the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA).
CCHA said member companies "are investigating 284 claims of crop damage from storms that occurred July 27-August 2."
Member companies include Ag Direct Hail Insurance, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Rain and Hail Insurance Services, and Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance.
One notable loss was in the Mankota, Sask. area where a storm on July 19 destroyed some crops completely, said Rodney Schoettler with Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance. "Although the affected area is small, the hail was very intense.” Schoettler added.
CCHA stated most 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, Executive Vice-President of Ag Direct Hail Insurance.
Barley, canola, and flax were the most common crops reported to have sustained damage, along with mustard, peas, wheat, and soybeans.
Saskatchewan communities impacted include: Beechy, Blumenof, Bracken, Chorlitz, Clayden, Consul, Corbnach, East Poplar, Mankota, Moose Jaw, Redvers, Rhineland, Rosenhof, Swift Current, Vidora, Willow Bunch, and Willow Creek.
Manitoba communities affected include: Boissevain, Cromer, Dand, Minto, Treesbank, Underhill, Virden, and Woodnorth.
Alberta 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, and West Lethbridge.
