Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – An early harvest is now underway in parts of southern Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Rain and Hail Insurance Service’s Tyson Ryhorchuk says high levels of heat and low moisture continue to burden crops in many areas across the prairies.

It’s because of this heat and lack of moisture that the harvest is ahead of when it typically happens in previous years.

In terms of the number of storm damage claims, this year has been low, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA).

During the week of July 10 – 16, there were 646 crop damage claims submitted to Canadian Crop Hail Association Members.

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CCHA President Scott McQueen of Palliser Insurance said claim activity remains low throughout the western provinces.

As producers roll into the fields, insurance adjusters are asking producers to leave adequate sample strips to ensure they are able to assess crop damage.

“We ask producers to leave strips if adjusters haven’t been out to assess their damage. All companies are getting to claims on a timely matter so new storms won’t push adjusters behind.”

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Storm Snapshot

During the week of July 10 – 16, the following communities reported damage to CCHA members:

Alberta 

Delia, Barrhead, Fort MacLeod, Wetaskiwin, Stavely, Daysland, Stettler, Magrath, Turin, Rolling Hills, Scandia, Indus, Dalemead, Mossleigh, Carstairs, Didsbury, Dickson, Spruceview, Hanna, Rowley, Trochu, Big Valley, Gadsby, Donalda, Heisler, Daysland, Hay Lakes, Viking, Warburg, Tofield, St. Paul, Mallaig, Therien, Glendon, Radway, Sandy Beach, Barrhead, Thunder Lake, Edson, Sexsmith, Little Smoky, McLennan, Girouxville, Rycroft, Falher, Nampa, Worsley

Saskatchewan

Golden Prairie, Fox Valley, Cabri, Canora, Kinistino, Rosthern, Nipwain

Manitoba

Steinbach, Mitchell, Sundown, St Claude, Virden, Roblin

The information provided by this CCHA update is provided by the Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Palliser Insurance, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation.

For more information and past reports: cropinsuranceincanada.org