What Determines Texas Grain Basis
Gulf Coast Texas basis on corn can be positive during strong export demand. Panhandle Texas runs 15–35¢ negative, reflecting inland freight costs.
How to Use Basis in Your Grain Marketing Plan
When Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas
Basis in Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas
Key Texas elevators: Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, Gavilon.
Get Weekly Basis Alerts for Texas
GrainBrief monitors USDA AMS elevator bids daily and sends you a basis trend alert when Texas basis moves more than 10¢ in a week — the threshold that historically signals a marketing opportunity.
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