Wichita ? Much of the Kansas winter wheat crop is in tough shape following a December that brought little, if any, rain.

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 33 percent of the crop is in poor to very poor condition while 40 percent is listed as fair. Only 25 percent of Kansas winter wheat was rated as good with just 2 percent in excellent condition.

The agency notes that only two locations in southeast Kansas reported more than a half-inch of precipitation last month.

Producers also worry that the dry soil and the lack of snow cover on wheat fields makes the crop more vulnerable to wind and freeze damage.

Dighton farmer Ron Suppes says only a fourth of his wheat had even sprouted before winter.