Wichita ? Kansas winter wheat deteriorated further this week, with 35 percent of the crop now in poor to very poor condition amid a deepening drought, Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday.

In spite of scattered rains in recent days, the agency’s latest crop weather report shows the crop remained under stress.

Crop conditions are worse than just a week ago, when 27 percent of the wheat was ranked in the poor to very poor category.

The KASS barometer this week also graded 36 percent of the crop in fair condition. Another 26 percent was ranked as good and 3 percent as excellent.

Most of the state’s farmland remained parched, although the latest storms have boosted topsoil moisture in parts of Kansas.

This week’s report indicated 18 percent of the state had adequate topsoil moisture – compared to a week ago when only 5 percent had adequate topsoil moisture. A year ago at this time, topsoil moisture was rated adequate to surplus in 84 percent of the state.

Early reports estimate 4 percent of the state’s wheat crop has been lost to winterkill, KASS said. The agency also reported 83 percent of the wheat suffered no freeze damage and 77 percent no wind damage.

Disease and bugs have also appeared to be in check with 77 percent of the crop showing no insect infestation and 83 percent showing no presence of disease, the agency said.