What Determines Kentucky Grain Basis
Kentucky corn basis runs 15–30¢ negative, tightening significantly within 30 miles of the Ohio River. Eastern Kentucky sees wider basis of 30–45¢.
How to Use Basis in Your Grain Marketing Plan
When Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Basis in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Key Kentucky elevators: Henderson County Grain, Western Kentucky Grain, South Central Grain.
Get Weekly Basis Alerts for Kentucky
GrainBrief monitors USDA AMS elevator bids daily and sends you a basis trend alert when Kentucky basis moves more than 10¢ in a week — the threshold that historically signals a marketing opportunity.
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