Hailstorms can strike fast and leave a trail of damage behind, making them a major concern for farmers. Hail can impact farm operations in more ways than one, from pelting crops to injuring livestock. If you’re a farmer in rural Colorado looking for practical ways to mitigate hail damage, this guide is for you. Let’s break down everything farmers should understand about hail so you’re equipped to face the storm.

What hail can do to crops and livestock

Hailstones can shred leaves, break stems, and bruise fruits and vegetables. Corn and other tall, stalky plants are especially susceptible to harm due to their height and structure.

Livestock isn’t immune either. Direct contact with hailstones can cause bruises and cuts. Additionally, hailstorms are stressful events for both animals and caretakers.

How hail size and strength affect its impact

Though hail has clearly damaging effects on crops and livestock, not every hailstorm will be devastating. Hailstones come in all shapes and sizes, from pea-sized pellets to chunks as big as baseballs. Their size impacts the level of damage they can cause.

More important, however, are the density and speed of hail. A dense shower of hailstones propelled by strong winds has the most destructive power.

The seasonality of hail

Though hail can fall any time of year, it’s very much a seasonal concern. In Colorado and most of the US, mid-April to mid-September is peak hail season. This is why a big part of protecting your spring crops is preparing for hail. Spring and summer are when rising warm air clashes against cooler fronts, creating prime conditions for hailstorms.

Keep a close watch on weather alerts during this time, and be prepared to act quickly. Hailstorms might last only minutes, but their effects can take years to recover from.

Effective protective measures to employ

Fortunately, farmers have several tools at their disposal to reduce hail damage. Here are some of the most effective methods.

Crop insurance

Securing crop insurance with hail coverage will help you recover losses after a storm.

Netting or shields

Consider investing in protective netting over delicate crops like above-ground fruits or vegetables. These covers can absorb or deflect hail damage.

Shelters for livestock

Provide your animals with access to covered areas, such as barns or shelters, to keep them safe during hailstorms.

Hail cannons

While expensive, hail cannons can be a valuable suppression technology. This piece of equipment disrupts the atmospheric conditions primed for a hailstorm, thus preventing them from impacting areas near the cannon.

Everything farmers should understand about hail boils down to its harm, influencing factors, and protective or preventive measures. Knowing the risks and employing effective strategies might be what saves you a lot of time and money when the next storm rolls in.