An apple producer in the Montérégie region of Quebec has adopted a unique technology to safeguard his orchards from extreme weather conditions. The Verger des Bois-Francs in Saint-Paul-d’Abbotsford has invested $160,000 in an anti-hail cannon to protect its crops.
Maxime Brie, co-owner of Verger des Bois-Francs, emphasized the destructive impact of hail on the orchards, leading to long-term repercussions such as damaged apples and trees. Following a recent hailstorm on May 31, which is increasingly common due to climate change, the orchard experienced limited damage compared to other apple growers in the region.
The anti-hail cannon operates by utilizing acetylene gas to trigger explosions every seven seconds, generating shock waves that transform hail into water vapor. While the effectiveness of this technology is debated, the owners decided to test its efficacy. The cannon is linked to a weather service that monitors approaching thunderstorm cells, activating and deactivating the cannon based on the storm’s trajectory.
Despite complaints from neighbors about the noise generated by the cannon, the orchard has installed a silencer to mitigate the sound levels. Brie hopes for community understanding, stressing that the cannon will only be used during potential thunderstorms. The investment is expected to yield returns by preventing significant damage from hailstorms.
In addition to their Saint-Paul-d’Abbotsford orchard, the family also owns orchards in Princeville and Plessisville in the Centre-du-Québec region. They intend to evaluate the anti-hail cannon’s effectiveness before considering its implementation in their other orchards.