USA - Hail damage issues in crops

28.07.2023 599 views

While the damage was not widespread, there has been some severe hail damage in different parts of Ohio in July.

Soybean plants were at approximately the R2 (full flower) growth stage. Corn was at late vegetative stages to early reproductive stages (R1). If you experience hail damage, be sure to talk to your crop insurance provider. Two conditions must be considered in hail damage: hail characteristics (e.g., hail size, number, speed) and the characteristics of the target (e.g., crop, stage, variety/hybrid), as some of the outcomes may be driven by these factors.

Soybean 

Hail damage to soybean plants may include defoliation, node loss, stand loss, and/or bruising. At the vegetative growth stages, yield loss due to defoliation is minimal; however, stem damage and node loss can reduce soybean yield. Soybean plants are most susceptible to hail damage and yield loss during the reproductive stages. The degree of yield loss can vary among soybean varieties (e.g., differences in leaf morphology and relative maturity) and subsequent weather after the damage was incurred. To assess soybean yield loss, the stand reduction, defoliation percentage, and nodes cut off/broken over percentage needs to be estimated from the field. After assessing the Preble County location, we estimate defoliation to be around 90% (Figure 1). (We also noted some hail damage in Clinton County, but to a much lesser extent with approximately 15% defoliation.) While the defoliation is not ideal, yield losses are less than one might expect as the soybean plants will continue to grow and put on new leaves. Data from the University of Wisconsin- Madison shows 33% yield loss with 100% defoliation when defoliation was at the R3 growth stage or earlier. At the Preble County location, in addition to defoliation, some of the stems were broken (node loss). Research at University of Wisconsin- Madison estimates a 15%, 24%, 37%, and 59% yield loss with 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% main-stem node removal, respectively. The University of Nebraska- Lincoln organized a soybean yield loss worksheet and charts to help calculate the soybean grain yield loss caused by hail damage.

Corn 

Hail damage in corn can lead to reduction of plant stands (early in the season, vegetative stages), leaf defoliation and stalk damage (mid-season, vegetative and reproductive stages), and damage to ears and stalks and grain quality (late in the season, reproductive stages). The stage of corn at the time of hail affects the level of damage to the crop. For example, hail damage to young plants (before the V5 stage) can be low since the growing point is at or below the soil surface and plant recovery is expected. However, during mid-season (about V10 stage to tasseling or silking) when corn nutrient, water, and dry weight accumulation increase, hail damage to corn can be more detrimental, depending on the percent of destroyed leaves. Usually, the larger the percentage of defoliation, the more significant the yield loss. Research on stand losses in Ohio reported that 17–50% stand loss at the 7-leaf stage resulted in 6–16% yield loss. Yield losses at the 10-leaf and 13-leaf growth stages were similar to the 7-leaf stage when stands were reduced by 17% and 33%. When plant stands were reduced 50%, yield losses were closer to 20%. At the 17-leaf growth stage, 50% stand reduction resulted in an overall grain yield reduction of 30%. This helps illustrate what yield loss may occur from reduced stands. On the other hand, other Ohio studies on leaf defoliation reported that defoliation at the 10-leaf stage or earlier may not dramatically affect grain yield. Loss of 50% to 100% of leaf area at the 10-leaf stage resulted in less than a 5% yield loss, but tassel deformation could occur (hybrid specific) after 100% defoliation. Loss of 50% of leaf area at the 15-leaf growth stage resulted in 12% yield loss, and 100% defoliation caused 35% yield loss. Defoliation during grain fill reduced grain yield by 23, 14, and 7% at blister (R2), milk (R3), and soft dough (R4) stages, respectively. Additional effects of hail damage in corn production can include more weed pressure (due to lower corn competition), tassel deformation, twisted leaf whorls, stalk rot and lodging, grain quality concerns, lower test weights, and grain moisture at harvest. If you were affected, keep an eye out for these issues.

For both corn and soybean, if hail damage occurs, it is recommended that field inspections (e.g., assessments, adjustments) are delayed a minimum of 7 days for a more accurate assessment of the actual damage to stands, canopy, and crop recovery.

Source - https://ocj.com

29.04.2026

USA - Congress considers farm bill as farmers are pinched by rising costs

A sweeping law that governs crop insurance, conservation programs, and nutrition assistance is up at one of the toughest moments for farmers in recent memory.

29.04.2026

India - Nor’westers wreak havoc across north Bengal, normal life disrupted

Nor’westers wreaked havoc in different districts of north Bengal late on Tuesday night. Trees were uprooted, the electric supply was affected, along with standing crops. Many areas also witnessed waterlogging.

29.04.2026

Ethiopia opens insurance sector to foreign players

National Bank of Ethiopia unveils draft law for independent regulator and foreign entry.

29.04.2026

India - Fruit growers submit 14-point memorandum to Union Minister

Fruit growers of Kashmir have petitioned Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking implementation of Crop Insurance Scheme for the horticulture industry, imposition of over 100 per cent import duty on American and European apples, and reintroduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), according to a 14-point memorandum submitted by Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGCDU).

29.04.2026

Philippines - SEARCA, EcoSecurities, UPLBFI boost PCIC capacity for data-driven corn insurance

SEARCA, in partnership with EcoSecurities and the University of the Philippines Los Baños Foundation Inc. (UPLBFI), conducted a two‑day capacity‑building workshop to strengthen the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s (PCIC) capabilities in developing data‑driven, climate‑resilient agricultural insurance products.

29.04.2026

India - MLA TN Mannen launches community piggery project in Mokokchung

A community-based piggery project aimed at boosting rural livelihoods was launched at Senden Salang in Kobulong under the Mokokchung district on Wednesday.

28.04.2026

Philippines seeks 500 million USD for engineered bamboo development

The project is currently at the concept stage, with feasibility studies expected to take five to six months and overall preparation about a year. Implementation could begin in 2027, pending loan approval.

28.04.2026

Insurance compensation of 186,000 manats paid to tobacco farmers in Azerbaijan

To date, 186,000 manats of insurance compensation have been paid to farmers and farms in the tobacco industry in Azerbaijan.