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Early harvest begins

Producers should leave adequate sample strips for adjusters to assess crop damage as harvest begins in the southern regions of Saskatchewan and Alberta, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association. 

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 646 claims of crop damage from storms that occurred July 10-16 

Companies contributing to this report are Rain and Hail Insurance Service, Palliser Insurance, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation,  

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

“Harvest is starting to roll in some of the southern regions of Saskatchewan and Alberta,” he said. “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.” 

High levels of heat and low moisture continue to burden crops in many areas across the prairies, said Tyson Ryhorchuk of Rain and Hail Insurance Service. 

Here’s a look at storm damage across the region. 

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta