Violent storm hits Wongan Hills farms

A hailstorm has wiped out 600 hectares of Wongan Hills farmer Robert Sewell's standing canola crop.

Mr Sewell said the storm, which occurred 10 days ago, had affected 800ha of crops across his property, 600ha of which had an insurance claim for 100 per cent loss.

"You put your whole year into preparing paddocks, sowing, soil testing and everything else, and although you are getting money for it (through insurance), it's not the same as harvesting and getting the satisfaction of reaping the rewards of a year's work," he said.

"We also had some swathed canola, and some of that has suffered about 40 per cent damage."

Mr Sewell said the storm had built up in the afternoon, with hot temperatures and strong winds on the day.

"There was a violent storm that seemed to be centred over about four or five local farms," he said.

"I think every one of them had reasonable damage.

"We also had about 20mm of rain where the major damage was."

But Mr Sewell said he did not think the 20mm of rain was enough to affect the quality of the grain that was still standing.

"The assessors have been here already, when you get a 100 per cent claim it doesn't take long to assess," he said.