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Start Free Trial →About Illinois Grain Markets
Illinois corn basis is influenced by Illinois River barge traffic to NOLA and Chicago Board of Trade proximity. Central Illinois is the tightest basis zone in the Corn Belt.
Understanding Illinois Grain Basis
Basis is the difference between the local elevator cash price and the nearest CME futures contract. Basis tells you how your local market is priced relative to the national benchmark.
Central Illinois basis for corn typically runs 10–25¢ negative. Southern Illinois (river access) can tighten to 5¢ or better during strong export demand.
A strengthening basis (cash rising relative to futures) signals strong local demand — typically from nearby ethanol plants, feed mills, or export elevators bidding aggressively for grain. A weakening basis signals local oversupply or reduced demand. Watch for basis moves of 10¢ or more in a single week as an actionable signal.
Illinois Grain Elevator Landscape
Key Illinois elevators: Bunge Decatur, ADM Decatur, Archer Daniels Midland, CGB Enterprises.