2017 turned out to be one of the lightest hail claim years since 2009.

The Canadian Crop Hail Association released its final report on Monday which shows just over 8,600 claims in Western Canada for a total of $96 million in insurance payouts.

Producer premiums totalled just over $286 million for an industry loss ratio of 33.8 %.

A lack of moisture across much of the western prairies meant little in the way of convective storm activity resulting in hail losses.

The report shows the hardest hit area was Manitoba with a loss ratio of 45.9 % which is well below their 2016 record which had a loss ratio of 158.9%.

Alberta followed with a loss ratio of 33.7 %, compared to 83.6 % in 2016.

Saskatchewan reported a 30% loss ratio compared to 73% in 2016.

The provinces hail season began in early June with storms on the 2nd and 9th.

Saskatchewan’s most expensive storm date(s) was July 20th and 21st, costing companies $14.9 million on over 1100 claims.

Total hail payments were just over $48 million compared to $125 million in 2016.