Crop staging results in higher payouts as the season passes; farmers reminded to leave inspection strips
Hail adjusters are working hard to stay ahead of harvest, said the Canadian Crop Hail Association.
Storms are becoming less frequent but can still be destructive. Between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21 member companies of the association said they investigated more than 1,300 claims.
Even small storms can cause heavy damage because crops are so close to being ready for harvest, said Scott McQueen of Palliser Insurance, who is also CCHA president.
“As the season rolls on producer awards continue to increase in size,” he said. “Adjusters are working seven days a week trying to get to as many clients as possible to avoid leaving samples in the field.”
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Farmers should make sure to follow the check-strip requirements for the individual companies that they deal with, added Tyson Ryhorchuk of Rain and Hail Insurance Service.
In Alberta, crop damage from hail was reported in barley, corn, canola, fababeans, flax, mustard, oats, peas, potatoes and wheat. Communities affected include: Hilliard, Wildwood, Nobleford, Coalhurst, Mundare, Monarch, Barons, Vegreville, Claresholm, Spring Creek, Woking, Riviere Qui Barre, Chipman, Warwick and Granum.
Farmers near the Saskatchewan communities of Churchbridge, Fillmore, Francis, Montmartre, Osage, Richardson, Wawota, Biggar, Gladmar, Shellbrook, Craik, Lumsden, Maryfield, Ceylon, Chamberlain, Cudworth, Kendal, Weyburn, Odessa, Langenburg, Norquay, Alvena, Canora, Creelman, Choiceland, Smeaton, Stenen and Carnduff have placed claims. Affected crops included cereals, pulses, oilseeds, wheat, durum and canary seed.
And in Manitoba, canola, cereals, peas, corn, sunflowers, soybeans and flax were all hit by hail in the areas of Deloraine, Grandview, Bowsman, Swan River, Boissevain, Hamiota, Pierson, Rossburn, Strathclair, Brandon, Crystal City, Swan River and Rathwell.
