SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The lack of snow cover is a worry for winter wheat producers.

A report from the Agricultural Statistics Service shows only 19 percent of the prime wheat-growing areas in South Dakota has enough snow cover. Some areas reported a trace to 1 inch of snow at the start of February.

Winter wheat is planted in fall, goes dormant over winter and is harvested the following summer. A blanket of snow protects the plants over winter.

Sixty percent of the winter wheat crop is rated in good or excellent condition, 32 percent in fair condition, and 8 percent in poor or very poor condition.

An estimated 1.9 million acres were planted to winter wheat last fall.