A massive hailstorm on Aug. 20 cut a 200-km path across Alberta, destroying 425,000 acres of crops and leaving damage visible from space.
A Storm That Marked the Land
On August 20, 2025, southern Alberta was struck by a devastating storm with wind gusts reaching 150 kilometres per hour. The storm carved a 200-kilometre-long “hail scar” across farmland, visible from space through satellite imagery released by NASA.
Where the Damage Hit Hardest
The path of destruction stretched from south of Calgary to the Saskatchewan border. The heaviest impact was felt north of Brooks, where 425,000 acres of insurable crops, pasture, and native grassland were shredded. Corn stalks snapped in half, irrigation systems toppled, and shingles were stripped from rooftops.
Why It Matters for Farmers and Ranchers
For producers, the losses came at a critical stage of the growing season. “At this time of year when the crops are at mature stage, the losses are devastating,” said George Kueber of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation. Ranchers also face years of reduced grazing capacity as prairie grasses were flattened or uprooted.
How Communities Are Responding
Cleanup began almost immediately, with volunteers from local Mennonite congregations helping farmers and acreage owners clear debris. “I’ve seen a lot of hail damage over the years, but I’ve never seen anything like that,” said farmer Gerald Torkelson, whose land near Millicent was battered.
The Science Behind the ‘Hail Scar’
Researchers with the Northern Hail Project at Western University described the storm as among the worst they have documented. Meteorologist Simon Eng explained that vegetation may recover over time, but scars of this intensity can remain visible in satellite images for months or longer.
Looking Ahead to Recovery
Experts warn that while prairie ecosystems are resilient, recovery requires careful management. Retired rangeland agrologist Barry Adams advised ranchers to limit grazing in stripped areas to allow regrowth. Many farmers now face difficult choices—harvesting what little remains, feeding livestock with damaged crops, or waiting for fields to heal.
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