Soy basis continued to plunge lower this week as old-crop premium levels eroded closer to new-crop delivery levels. For the week, US average soybean basis fell 17 cents a bushel, while corn managed a positive 2-cent gain.
In corn, basis levels firmed mostly thanks to strength out of the ethanol sector which posted a 3-cent gain on the week. Western Cornbelt plants saw more improvement than the East this week as double digit gains were noted at plants from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota. At river terminals, basis levels were off sharply giving up 6 cents this week. Barge rates were up sharply this week helping push basis levels down along the river system. For spot versus new-crop, there is little premium difference for spot delivery as old-crop supplies are abundant. This week, basis levels for spot delivery are fetching only a 3-cent premium over new crop delivery.
For soybeans, spot premium levels plunged this week reaching a 30-cent premium over new-crop delivery after being at 48-cents last week. Soy crushing plants had the biggest loss this week giving up 23 cents on average, while river terminals dropped basis by 11 cents a bushel.
