Rain helps stabilize struggling Kansas wheat crop

? Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service says last week’s rain helped stabilize the condition of the state’s winter wheat crop, but most of the crop continues to struggle.

The agency said Monday that 55 percent of the crop is in poor to very poor condition. About 30 percent is in fair condition, with 14 percent rated good and 1 percent rated excellent.

Statewide, about 85 percent of the wheat has now headed. Harvest is getting closer in south-central Kansas, where 5 percent of the crop has turned color.

The Kansas corn crop is faring better, with only 3 percent in poor condition. About 39 percent is in fair condition, with 52 percent rated good and 6 percent rated excellent.