The winter wheat conditions declined slightly in Kansas last week as rain favored the eastern side of the state while largely missing the central and west, the state's weekly crop condition report said on Monday.

The state's wheat was rated 39% good to excellent, 44% fair, 13% poor, and 4% very poor, down slightly from the previous week's 41, 42, 13, and 4.

Wheat condition ratings for Texas and Oklahoma were not available in time for this report.

Kansas weather warmed to 4 to 6 degrees fahrenheit above average, with light rain of up 0.50 inch in eastern areas, "while the west remained dry."

Lack of moisture is becoming a concern "in a number of counties." Topsoil moisture was rated 1% surplus, 46% adequate, 37% short and 16% very short. The lowest readings were in the central and western areas. Readings a week ago were 1% surplus, 50% adequate, 35% short, and 14% very short.

Wheat jointing was 15%, ahead of last year's 5% and the average of 18%.

Mild weather during the week had farmers applying fertilizer and herbicides and making preparations for spring crop planting.

Source - http://www.blackseagrain.net/