Natural markets to your operation are relatively few. Build relationships with your buyers. You want to be the one that gets that call when a strong basis comes for filling an emergency need. When challenges arrive, you want a partner in a solution.

Buyers like contracts and so should you. Grain that is sent to the buyer spot and even over fills of contracts often have a lower basis. Make sure you negotiate a basis on all delivered bushels.

In commodities that use a futures and a basis separating the basis negotiation from the futures will add to your bottom line. Even comparing different bids will be easier if the focus is on basis.

There is no one silver bullet that will improve your merchandising and risk management performance. A series of small gain will add up. The best part is real learning is repeatable year after year!