The early part of the growing season provided fair to good growing conditions and crop development was reported to be slightly ahead of average in most areas. Continued good conditions with hot, dry weather during the latter part of July and into early August brought forecasts of an early and above average crop. Harvest operations got underway in mid August and were progressing well until rain showers and damp humid conditions hit the province and brought harvest to a halt. Mixed weather conditions during the balance of September delayed the completion of harvest until mid October.
During the 2000 crop hail season, claims were received from storm activity on 93 days during the period May 15 through October 15. Twelve major storms occurred on the following dates: July 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 17, August 2, 4, 13, 20 and September 5. The total number of claims received in 2000 numbered 10,181 compared to 6,605 the previous year.
Under the Municipal Hail program, payment of 2000 indemnity was carried out between August 31 and October 15 except where claimants requested payment be delayed until the following year.
A total of 26 fire claims were received during the season which was the same as the previous year. Indemnity paid as a result of fire claims amounted to $23,562.
Total acres seeded to cereal crops, oil seed and pulse crops amounted to 34,705,000 in 2000 compared to 33,060,000 the previous year. Municipal Hail insured 12,455,653 acres prior to cancellations compared to 11,717,616 in 1999, being 35.9% of the total compared to 35.4% in 1999.
Applications for cancellation of insurance due to loss of crop from causes other than hail numbered 80 and were received from 46 rural municipalities. A total of 8,928 acres of crop were cancelled which in turn reduced the 2000 hail taxes by $16,901.
Additional Municipal Hail Limited policies written in 2000 numbered 3,158 compared to 1,863 in 1999. The maximum coverage available was $100 per acre and $500,000 per township for 2000. For 2001, coverage limits will be increased to $120 per acre while liability limits will remain at $500,000 per township.
Crops of anise, borage, buckwheat, canola, dill, fenugreek, hemp, lupins, mint, mustard, peola, quinoa, radish seed, russian wild rye and as well grasses, clover, alfalfa, etc. grown for seed were rated at 1.7 times the regular rates and crops of beans, lentils and field peas were rated at 1.4 times the regular rates for the Association and Additional Municipal Hail Limited.
The Association continued its policy of reinsuring a portion of its written risk in view of the substantial amount of coverage being provided. It remains the Board's position that this method of protection against potentially heavy losses has proven over time to be of great importance to the stability and strong financial position of the Association.
Hail taxes collected under the Municipal program equalled 100.9% of 2000 hail taxes levied compared to 97.5% in 1999.
Municipal Hail losses in 2000 reached $42,191,901 compared to $19,981,960 the previous year and represent 127.76% of hail taxes levied resulting in a deficit for the year and a reduction in the Association's retained earnings. During the period 1917 through 2000, the Association has paid claims amounting to 86.6¢ of each hail tax dollar levied.
Additional Municipal Hail Limited losses in 2000 were $3,365,107 compared to 1999 when losses amounted to $720,033. Loss to premium ratio was 115.23% compared to 41.68% recorded in 1999.
Under the Municipal Hail program, 2000 rates of indemnity were $20, $40, $60, $80 and $100 per acre and will remain at these levels for the 2001 season. In 2000, 87.2% of the acres reported for coverage were insured under the full coverage option, while 12.8% were insured on a deductible coverage basis.
During its 84 years of providing crop hail protection for Saskatchewan farmers and landowners, the Association has provided coverage on over $16.5 billion of risk and paid hail losses amounting to $617.7 million. In 2000, the Association provided coverage on $910.6 million of risk and paid losses amounting to $45.6 million.
Directors Wayne Black, Ken Grad and Arnold Petracek were elected to a further three year term at the Annual Meeting held in March, 2000.
During the 2000 season, Director Arnold Petracek as well as Michelle Mandin-Uhlow, the Association's Corporate Accountant, were acknowledged for completing twenty-five years of service with the Association.
The Directors of the Association wish to take this opportunity to extend their thanks to the Reeves, Councillors and Administrators for their willing assistance in providing sound crop hail protection for Saskatchewan farmers and land owners and to the management, office staff and field staff for their efficient and dedicated service during the 2000 season.
Also included are the details of the Seventy-seventh Annual Report covering the operations of Additional Municipal Hail Limited for the year ended December 31, 2000.
The winter of 1999-2000 brought to Saskatchewan above normal temperatures while snowfall amounts were generally below normal, with the exception of the north central and northeastern areas where snowfall was reported to be near average. Early spring rains and snow flurries helped to replenish topsoil moisture which provided most areas of the grainbelt with fair to good moisture conditions going into spring seeding.
