Saskatchewan's Hail Season Starts Slow

SASKATOON - Jun 28/06 - SNS -- Saskatchewan's 2006 hail season is off to a slow start, with no major no major hailstorms reported. Damage to date has been localized with only a small number of hail claims filed by producers.

Consequently, growers still have some time left to obtain hail coverage if they have not already done so, remains the Canadian Crop Hail Association.

It said for the second year in a row, there is no notable increase or decrease in the hail insurance premiums being charged to Saskatchewan farmers. Hail insurance companies set premiums on a township-by-township basis according to their risk assessment. While some localized areas may see changes, overall rates are similar to last year and the year before.

"We're pleased that the cost of hail insurance hasn't increased like other inputs such as fuel and fertilizer," notes Rob Goeres, chair of the Canadian Crop Hail Association. "Saskatchewan producers spend about $100 million to insure their crops against hail every year and this is an important part of their business risk management."

"We'd like to remind producers that uninsured crops damaged by hail may not be eligible for subsequent hail insurance," says Goeres. "Therefore producers who are planning to purchase hail insurance are advised to act sooner rather than later."

Some companies have a limit on the liability they will accept in a particular township. Waiting too long could also limit a producer's choice of companies to deal with.