Hundreds of Canterbury crop farmers are facing severe financial hardship because many irrigation systems damaged in September's freak windstorms still need to be fixed.

Fields of barley, wheat and vegetables are wilting and dying without the vital water supply.

Water supply for many farmers was severed in September's wind and 800 irrigation systems were left twisted, bent and broken around mid and north Canterbury.

"Within three days we had 12 months worth of work," Gavin Briggs from Rainer Irrigation said.

Mr Briggs has had to hire another 20 staff and his is just one of seven irrigation firms in Ashburton struggling to keep up with demand. Even so, he is still having to tell some farmers they won't be back on tap until February.

"We're going six days a week...the guys are pulling an average of 60 hours...they're feeling the strain of it like we all are."

About 25% of the affected farmers hit are in crop while the rest are dairy which has a better chance of recovery.

October through to December are crucial irrigation months for crop farmers and while many will have their irrigation systems working again by Christmas for this year it will simply be too late.

Rural insurer FMG told ONE News it is dealing with just over 250 irrigation claims at a cost of $6.8 million and so far only half have been settled.

David Clark from Federated Farmers said if there had been wet spring they may have got away with it but the damage has been "a real kick" for some.

"It will certainly be a hit that may take 3, 4 or 5 years to recover from," Mr Clark said.

Meanwhile the worthless plantations will have to be ditched as farmers hope for a better yield next year.

Source - http://tvnz.co.nz/