Federated Farmers is advising Canterbury growers who lost crops in yesterday’s hail storm to keep their banks in the loop.

Marble to golf ball sized hail carved a path of destruction from Darfield to Temuka, destroying delicate wheat, barley and vegetable crops.

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Federated Farmers spokesman, David Clark, says some farmers face potential losses in excess of $100,000. He says many growers may be able to recover some losses through the United Wheat Growers Insurance Scheme, while others will have private insurance. However he says hail insurance is extremely expensive, and not all farmers will have it.

Orchardists and berry growers around South Canterbury do not appear to have suffered any significant damage from the hail.

More thunderstorms and hail are forecast this afternoon at the top of the South Island, with storms and hail also expected in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Taupo and Gisborne ranges .

Hail in North Canterbury in January caused more than $1 million damage to crops.

– NEWSTALK ZB