Late season storms have added to the prairie hail claim numbers.
According to a report that the Canadian Crop Hail Association issued Sept. 25, most of Manitoba’s new claims are from storms that hit the southeast portion of the province Sept. 10-11. The total number of claims exceeds 2,500, an increase of nearly 800 since the last hail report was issued in late August.
Although the storms covered a significant area, damage was relatively light. Claims to date in Manitoba are running just slightly below the five-year average.
Most of the new claims in Saskatchewan are from storms on that struck the central area of the province Sept. 14-15.
About 4,000 claims have been filed, up 700 from the end of August. Saskatchewan claims were record high in 2008, while 2009 is on track to be a record low.
Alberta’s claim total has increased only slightly, standing at about 1,950. The past two years saw record hail claim payouts.
Even though producers are busy with harvest, it’s time well invested for producers who accompany adjusters to see how each crop type is evaluated.
They should leave adequate test strips while harvesting, if an adjuster has not arrived, because hail damage can vary widely over a short distance. Producers should consult their insurance company for information on the size and frequency of check strips.
A final report in late October will summarize claim numbers and payout totals in each province.
