The kind of damage and amount of loss due to hail is determined in part by the crop growth stage. Before jointing, small grains are least susceptible to hail damage. The spike is still below ground and protected from injury. Hail damage occurring during jointing or the boot stage is difficult to assess.
Spikes can still pollinate and fill, and regrowth from new tillers can occur.
The National Crop Insurance Association uses two methods for assessing hail damage to small grains. One method involves counting the number of lost spikes, damaged spikes and lost kernels. The other method estimates damage to nearly ripe grain when shatter of kernels from the spike is the primary loss. Let the crop recover for 5 to 7 days before assessing the remaining small grain stand. Adequate time does remain for planting soybeans or some other alternative crop, if the small grain stand is no longer economically viable.