Saskatchewan Reports Fewer Hail Claims

SASKATOON - Aug 18/05 - SNS -- Hail claims are down in Saskatchewan so far this year, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

As of August 17, 2005, a total of approximately 7,500 claims had been received. This is about 30% below the five-year average. While the number of claims is relatively low, companies are reporting the average payout per claim is higher than normal. This is attributed to the severity of many of the hailstorms where a substantial amount of crop damage was a 100% loss.

"While it's good news for farmers and for hail insurance companies that claim numbers are relatively low, the hail season is far from over," notes Rob Goeres (pronounced Gore-us), chair of the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

"Last year, claim numbers were also low at this point in the season, but claim activity accelerated in the latter part of August and into September. By the time the growing season was over, claims were slightly above the five-year average."

Hail later in the season tends to cause more damage, because crops are nearing maturity.