What Determines Colorado Grain Basis
Colorado corn basis runs 25–50¢ negative. Winter wheat basis varies by protein and ranges 15–35¢ negative relative to KBOT.
How to Use Basis in Your Grain Marketing Plan
When Colorado basis strengthens (cash rising relative to futures), local demand is outpacing local supply. This is often the best window for cash sales or HTA contract execution. Basis is compensating you for your geographic location — don't leave it on the table.
When Colorado basis weakens, local supply is exceeding local demand. Consider on-farm storage or a basis contract (locks in basis without pricing futures) if you expect basis to recover as the marketing year progresses and local demand firms up.
Seasonal Basis Patterns in Colorado
Basis in Colorado typically follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Corn and soybean basis is usually weakest at or shortly after harvest (September–November) when local supply peaks. Basis tends to strengthen through winter and spring as local stocks decline and elevator demand builds ahead of the next crop year.
The best cash grain sales for Colorado producers historically occur in one of two windows: (1) pre-harvest new-crop forwards if basis is historically strong, or (2) January–March when bin-run stocks are tight and elevators compete aggressively for remaining inventory.
Elevator Infrastructure in Colorado
Key Colorado elevators: Colorado Grain, Frontier Farm Credit, Eastern Colorado Grain.
Get Weekly Basis Alerts for Colorado
GrainBrief monitors USDA AMS elevator bids daily and sends you a basis trend alert when Colorado basis moves more than 10¢ in a week — the threshold that historically signals a marketing opportunity.
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