Canadian Hail Claims Jump

SASKATOON - Aug 28/09 - SNS -- Hail claims across western Canada jumped over the past two weeks, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association, which added that this season still remains a light year for hail activity with claim numbers ranging from near normal in Manitoba to far below normal in Saskatchewan.

"Producers are reminded that if they’re harvesting a crop prior to it being adjusted, they must leave adequate and appropriate evidence (check strips). Otherwise, they may be putting their claim in jeopardy. Producers should contact their insurance company for instructions on appropriate check strips," the association said in a statement.

"With crops behind normal development in many regions, there is still the potential for severe hail damage should storms develop."

The companies doing business in Manitoba report a total of approximately 1,750 claims which is more than double the number two weeks ago. This is now approaching the average for this time of year.

August 13 and 14 produced hail around Niverville, Hamiota, Lasalle, Starbuck, Brandon, Miniota, Birtle, Somerset, Deloraine, Hartley, Melita, Boissevain, Oak River and Notre Dame De Lordes. Baseball sized hail hit areas near Lasalle and Brandon causing 100 per cent crop loss in the heart of the storm.

New claims in Alberta have come from storms August 18 that hit Mornville, Busby, Legal and Torrington and storms August 22 that hit Westlock and Vermilion. Hail claims now total over 1,800, an increase of about 550 from two weeks ago. Alberta hail claims remain below average for this point in the growing season. Last year at this time, there were 4,650 claims.

Over the past two weeks, roughly 900 new hail claims have been filed in Saskatchewan bringing the total to nearly 3,300. Some of the areas hit include: August 13 near Humboldt and Kamsack; August 14 in the southeast near Redvers, Rocanville, Alida and Whitewood; and August 18 near Rosetown, Unity, Gravelbourg, Leader and Burstall. There was no large amount of hail in any one area.

To date, this has been the lightest year for hail in Saskatchewan that anyone can remember. This is in contrast to last year which saw record hail claims and payouts. Last year at this time, about 18,000 claims had been filed in the province.