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CCHA: Crop damage on the Prairies due to hail and heavy rains

Heavy rain and flooding are contributing to crop damage from hailstorms in parts of Western Canada, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA). The major storms occurred on June 20-28 and July 2-4.

CCHA member companies are investigating about 120 claims of crop damage during the time period.

Murray Bantle (Co-operative Hail Insurance Company) said storms damaged wheat, canola and beans in southern Manitoba from La Rivière/Plum Coulee to Steinbach and also in Rossburn. Damage reports range from light to heavy, with reports still coming in.

Also in Manitoba, storms damaged cereals, pulses and oilseeds in Brandon, Foxwarren, Rossburn, Hamiota, Melita and Reston.

In Saskatchewan, Bantle said scattered storms damaged crops in Churchbridge, Calder, Biggar and Estevan. A larger storm on July 2 damaged crops in Arborfield, Carrot River, Melfort, Lake Lenore and Tisdale, where farmers are reporting particularly heavy damage.

Also in Saskatchewan, storms damaged cereals, canola and peas in Neudorf and Plenty.

Cassandra Holt of Canadian Hail Agencies said storms damaged crops in Saskatchewan near Star City, Semans, and, Assiniboia.

“Farmers reported hail damage for a series of storms that occurred throughout the entire week in Saskatchewan,” she said.

In Manitoba, Holt said farmers reported damage to barley, soybeans, canola and oats in Brandon and Hamiota. In Alberta, farmers reported damage to barley and canola in Coalhurst and Coaldale. Farmers also reported a storm in the Lethbridge area.

Jackie Sanden (Agriculture Financial Services Corporation) said storms damaged crops in the Alberta communities of Neerlandia, Thorhild, Warner, Chin, Nobleford, Turin, Millarville, Medicine Hat and Hilda. The damage was variable and is still under investigation.

Storms damaged crops in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, according to Beth Shewkenek of AG Direct Hail Insurance. Details were not immediately available.