HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The dry weather continues to wear on the winter wheat crop in central Kansas.

According to the latest numbers from the Kansas Ag Statistics, the wheat crop is rated at 44 percent poor-to-very poor, 42 percent fair and 14 percent good-to-excellent. The dry and very cold weather is to blame for the numbers. According to data from the National Weather Service, only 22 hundredths of an inch of moisture has fallen since the new year.

It not only keeps it very dry, it also leaves the crop open to the elements due to lack of snow over.

Right now, top soil moisture supplies rate at 79 percent short-to-very short and only 21 percent adequate-to-surplus. Subsoil rates are not much better at 70 percent short-to-very short and just 30 percent adequate.