It's been one of the worst springs in recent history for Manitoba farmers as persistent cool and wet conditions are forcing them to make tough decisions.

First, farmers were waiting for flooded fields to dry up. That wait continues in some parts of the province while most producers are also dealing with fears of ruined crops after last weekend's killer frost.

'We're running out of days, we're running out of seed supplies, and we're probably going to be a few days before we can get back on the field so they're going to have to make some tough decisions.'—Ian Wishart, Keystone Agricultural Producers

Many have already lost crops to frost and may have to file insurance claims, said Ian Wishart, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers, adding that the delays are backing farmers into a corner.

"It's been quite a while since we've struggled with this many issues this late in the year," he said. "We're running out of days, we're running out of seed supplies, and we're probably going to be a few days before we can get back on the field so they're going to have to make some tough decisions."

Farmers who went with canola, beans and corn will have suffered the most, though it's tough to gauge the severity of the situation at this time, said Wishart.

"When it comes to frost damage it can be hit and miss. Some areas can be badly impacted and the rest can be good. But there's already a lot of people calling crop insurance about reseed claims so obviously there's some damage," he said.

Many gardeners replanting after frost

Meanwhile, many gardeners in southern Manitoba are being forced to replant after the frost last weekend. Some greenhouses report a spike in business since Saturday, particularly for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

Clint Bosch, co-owner of K. Bosch & Sons Greenhouse, said it's the worst June frost he's ever seen and that many gardeners in St. James, Westwood and Charleswood lost everything.

"It was a lot harsher than normal. We don't usually get frost that heavy at this time of year for that length of time," he said. "I guess it was freezing for a good six, seven hours of frost.… Even if you throw a blanket over it might not be enough."

Bosch said one farmer just south of the city lost 300 tomato plants and hundreds of cucumbers and peppers even though he irrigated through the night.

Most greenhouses still have vegetable plants in stock, but Bosch expects that will change once it dries up and people can get back into their gardens.