Wichita ? The winter wheat crop deteriorated further in Kansas this past week, a decline slowed by rain showers across most of the state that provided some relief to thirsty plants, Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday.

In its weekly crop weather update, the agency reported 39 percent of the state’s winter wheat crop was in very poor to poor condition. That represents a 1 point drop from a week ago.

But the crop is faring far worse than it was a year ago at this time, when just 8 percent of the crop fell into that same category.

KASS rated 38 percent of the crop in fair condition, with 22 percent ranked as good and 1 percent as excellent for the week ending Sunday.

The wheat is maturing far sooner than normal. About 72 percent of the crop already has headed, compared to 38 percent that would be average for this time of year.

The agency also reported that 67 percent of the crop showed no insect infestation and 62 percent showed no disease presence. Wheat streak mosaic was found in some parts of the state.

The Agriculture Department will release its own official wheat production estimate Friday for the nation and wheat-producing states.