A Quebec apple grower in the Montérégie region is utilizing an uncommon technology to safeguard his orchards from severe weather. Verger des Bois-Francs in Saint-Paul-d’Abbotsford has invested $160,000 in an anti-hail cannon to protect their crops.
Maxime Brie, the co-owner of Verger des Bois-Francs, emphasized the destructive impact of hail on their harvest, leading to long-term consequences like damaged apples and trees. Following a recent hailstorm on May 31, which is becoming more frequent due to climate change, Verger des Bois-Francs experienced limited damage compared to other apple growers in the region who suffered significant losses.
The anti-hail cannon operates by using acetylene gas to trigger explosions every seven seconds, generating shock waves that convert hail into water. While the effectiveness of this system is debated, Verger des Bois-Francs decided to deploy it as a preventive measure. The cannon is linked to a weather service that monitors approaching thunderstorm cells and triggers the cannon when hail is anticipated, deactivating it once the storm has passed.
Despite some noise complaints from neighbors, the orchard has installed a silencer to reduce the cannon’s sound level by half. Brie hopes for understanding from the community, assuring that the cannon will only be activated during potential thunderstorms. He anticipates that the investment in the anti-hail cannon could prove cost-effective if it prevents damage from a major hailstorm.
The family also operates orchards in Princeville and Plessisville, planning to evaluate the effectiveness of the first cannon before considering similar installations in other locations.