Prairies (Rural Roots Canada) – Storms that swept across Western Canada resulted in minor-to-heavy damage, as hail as large as softballs was reported in some areas.

According to the Canadian Crop Hail Association, almost 400 crop damage claims from hailstorms were filed from May 28 to June 6. The majority of the claims were filed in Manitoba.

“[There were] large amounts of thunderstorms all across the province,” said Brendan Blight, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation. “And overland flooding occurred in areas where producers are still trying to seed their crops.”

Yves Dooper, with the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, said that most of the damage in Alberta was light and crops should recover well.

Regional Breakdown of Storm Damage

Alberta

Crops damaged: barley, canola, edible beans, forage seed, grain corn, oats, peas, silage corn, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat

Communities impacted: Aetna, Beaumont, Bentley, Bon Accord, Bow Island, Busby, Calmar, Carseland, Cereal, Coaldale, Dapp, Jarvie, Leduc, Lega, Lethbridge, Manola, Star, Thorsby, Warburg, Westlock

Manitoba

Crops damaged: barley, canola, corn, faba bean, market garden, oats, peas, rye, sugar beets, triticale, wheat

Communities impacted: Baldour, Carberry, Crystal City, Justice, Kenton, Lenore, Minnedosa, Minto, Oakbank, Stanley, St Leon, Virden, Wellwood

Read more: Prairie Weather This Week – Midweek Update – June 11