Corn & Soybean Basis Continue to Strengthen

After starting the year with weaker than normal basis levels, corn and soybean basis are improving. The improvement in corn basis occurred much later than normal due to slow harvest progress from wet corn in many locations. For example, corn basis in Central Indiana did not reach its low until the third week of November. Since then, corn basis in Central Indiana has improved $0.43/bu. and is now $0.26/bu. under March ’24 corn futures (Figure 1). This is still about $0.19/bu. weaker than the 3-year historical average in Central Indiana. Corn basis at Indiana ethanol plants (Figure 2) and river terminals in southern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois (Figure 3) have followed a similar pattern.

Figure 1. Central Indiana Corn Basis

Figure 2. Indiana Ethanol Plant Basis

Figure 3. Ohio River Corn Basis

Soybean basis also started the year weaker than normal. However, strengthening of soybean basis happened earlier than corn given timelier harvest. For example, soybean basis in Central Indiana has been strengthening since early October and is currently $0.24/bu. under March ’24 soybean futures (Figure 4). This is just $0.05/bu. weaker than the 2-year historical average soybean basis in Central Indiana. Soybean basis at Indiana processors (Figure 5) and river terminals in southern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois (Figure 6) have seen a similar recovery. As always, be sure to visit the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture Crop Basis Tool to check current corn and soybean basis levels and historical basis trends in your local area.

Figure 4. Central Indiana Soybean Basis

Figure 5. Indiana Soybean Processor Basis

Figure 6. Ohio River Soybean Basis