Field to Market recently announced it is now able to integrate sustainability metrics and algorithms of its Fieldprint Platform with several leading precision ag and farm management software programs. This will allow better, faster data transfer and increased engagement of productive acres of commodity crop production in its Supply Chain Sustainability Program – one of several moves the group hopes will help meet its ambitious goal of 50 million participating acres by 2020.
This integration is possible through an application programming interface (API) that connects seven sustainability metrics and their associated algorithms with three precision ag and farm management software programs. Specifically, the Fieldprint Platform’s sustainability metrics can now easily connect with:
- Land.db – a farm management system from Ag Connections, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Syngenta)
- Morning Farm Report – a set of predictive analytics tools from Agrible that includes a new Sustainable Sourcing Yield program
- Precision Conservation Management Portal – an effort between Heartland Science and Technology Group and the Illinois Corn Growers Association intended to increase conservation practices
“We’re really looking for significant growth, and this technology integration is a key strategy to meeting that goal,” according to Rod Snyder, Field to Market president. “This API allows users to enter very little additional information than what they have already collected.”
The Fieldprint Platform allows users to benchmark performance in multiple areas such as irrigation water use and soil conservation. Having a common framework allows them to compare that performance against national, state or regional benchmarks. Snyder says the Fieldprint analysis adds one more layer of insights as farmers dig through their valuable field and yield data.
“Farmers can simultaneously evaluate productivity, profitability and sustainability options as part of their planning process,” he says.
And while Snyder admits 50 million acres is an ambitious goal, he’s already seen participation skyrocket from 18 participating supply chain partnerships, or what Field to Market refers to as Fieldprint Projects, in 2014 to more than 60 now.
“The private sector is playing a leadership role in a way we’ve never seen before,” he says. “Companies are recognizing that consumers want more transparency about how their food is grown and sourced. The food and beverage industry already have a lot of environmental goals that aren’t even tied to governmental regulations. There’s more involvement than ever.”
Snyder says Field to Market is working towards integration with additional precision ag, farm management and decision support software providers.
Farmers can access this free, confidential tool through Field to Market’s online Fieldprint Calculator or through its current farm-management software partners. For more information, visit www.fieldtomarket.org.
