REGINA — Canadian crop insurance companies had one of the most damaging July hail seasons in history, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA).
In Saskatchewan, the week of July 3-10 was particularly destructive, the CCHA said in a news release. Rodney Schoettler with Municipal Hail Insurance said their company had claims on a million acres.
“We have not had a year with a million acres damaged in a week in my 39-year career,” said Schoettler in the news release. “I would like to thank our clients for their patience due to the unprecedented volume of claims received in a short time frame.
As crops ripen, any hail or windstorms could lead to more severe losses ahead of harvest, the news release stated. But in some areas, insufficient moisture is more concerning.
“The lack of rainfall in the last month will hinder some crops from reaching maximum production,” said Darryl Tiefenbach from the Co-operative Hail Insurance Company. “The stands in almost all areas are really good, but the finishing may be less than anticipated.”
CCHA member companies investigated more than 4,000 claims of crop damage from storms that occurred in July alone, the news release said.
With harvest starting soon, producers who had losses are encouraged to communicate with their insurance company soon.
“Producers wishing to harvest or salvage crops before the adjuster arrives should contact their insurance provider(s) and confirm they are leaving sufficient representation of the field for the adjuster to inspect,” said Yves Dooper from the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.
In Saskatchewan, affected crops include barley, canola, corn, flax, lentils, oats, peas, soybeans and wheat. Communities affected include Buchannan, Canora, Carievale, Carnduff, Coleville, Consul, Fertile, Kerrobert, Lloydminster, Major, Maple Creek, Rama and Wadena.
Companies contributing to the report are Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, Municipal Hail Insurance, Palliser Insurance Company Ltd, and Rain and Hail Insurance Services.
