The Canadian Crop Hail Association says its member companies investigated more than 4,000 claims covering upwards of one million acres in July, a tally driven by repeated hail and wind events across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Rodney Schoettler, chief executive of Municipal Hail Insurance, said the week of July 3 to 10 alone generated claims on one million acres, the largest single stretch of damaged land he has recorded in 39 years in the business. The association described that period as "particularly destructive" for Saskatchewan producers.
Saskatchewan bears the brunt
Communities including Canora, Lloydminster and Maple Creek were among the hardest hit in Saskatchewan. Flax and soybean crops suffered notable damage, according to the association's Friday release.
In Alberta, dozens of communities reported storms. Westlock, Goodridge and Leduc were cited as examples. Mid-month, Westlock County declared a state of agricultural disaster after excessive moisture drowned out fields. Corn, canola and lentil crops were the most affected in the province.
Manitoba sees fewer but significant claims
Manitoba recorded the fewest communities with claims, though St. Pierre Joly, Brandon and Hartney all contended with severe weather. Lentil, oat and pea plants were among the crops damaged in the easternmost Prairie province.
With harvest approaching, the association is urging any producer whose crop was hit and who has not yet filed a claim to do so promptly. "As crops ripen, any hail or wind storms could lead to more severe losses ahead of harvest," the CCHA warned.
Based on reporting by Global News.