Hail Claim Adjusters Remain Busy

SASKATOON - Aug 17/12 - SNS -- Overall hail claims across western Canada appear to be slightly above average for this time of year, judging from comments from the Canadian Crop Hail Association,

This is now the second busiest year of the past decade in Alberta "Claims have increased dramatically in the past two weeks going from less than 2,600 to nearly 4,000.

"July 31 had numerous hailstorms being reported throughout Central Alberta with a storm from Olds to Three Hills and on through Morrin to Cereal. Severe damage in the middle of this storm was caused from marble sized hail and a very strong accompanying wind."

Over the past two weeks, the storm dates of note in Saskatchewan were August 1, 10 and 11. Claims have increased by roughly 2,000 and now stand at more than 9,600. Claim totals remain ahead of the five-year average, but hail activity has slowed.

Approximately 500 claims have been filed in Manitoba over the past two weeks, bringing the total for the year to more than 2,800. This is very close to the five year average.

The Canadian Crop Hail Association reminded farmers that because this year's harvest is underway, "in many cases hail insurance adjusters will not arrive before a crop needs to be combined. In these cases, producers must leave appropriate check strips or swathes. Producers should call their insurance company for information on what is required."