Wayfindr Measure/Report/Verify (MRV) tool helps farmers document the good they’re doing on the land,
improve environmental outcomes, and increase net return.
What is Wayfindr?
Wayfindr is a web application that helps farmers optimize their operations. The platform was developed by farmers and crop advisors for farmers, and is offered by the nonprofit International Water Institute. Wayfindr was developed to model a producer’s agronomic risk and optimize net return per acre.
Wayfindr allows users to explore how current and potential farm operations affect their fields’ profitability, soil health, nutrient loss, and water retention. Farmers enter details about their existing operation, and select any combination of elements they’re considering to fine-tune: Crops/rotation, tillage, fertilizer/application methods, and any conservation practices.
Farmer inputs and hyperlocal data (terrain, hydrology and precipitation) are calculated to estimate the financial and environmental outcomes of a specific field operation.
This allows producers to compare what they’re doing now to alternatives they are considering. The information is presented in a dashboard that includes a report card, environmental and financial details, and an overall Stewardship Rating based on quantitative water, soil, and nutrient metrics.
Producers can export the information to share with customers, trusted advisors, and food companies.
Benefits of using Wayfindr
1. Fine-tune operations at the field and the farm scale
· Optimize net return
· Improve water, soil, and nutrient retention
· Increase yield in low-performing areas of a field
· Identify and manage agronomic risk
2. Measure/report/verify the good you’re doing on the land
· Differentiate your products in the market
· Qualify for buyer incentives and tax credits
· Negotiate preferred bank loan rates
3. Extend your agricultural legacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the SP different from other farm management programs?
The SP models the outcomes of operational changes in the field and their effect on net profit, yield, and soil, water, and nutrient runoff. It is the only program of its kind to quantify the expected impacts that different combinations of activities (cover crops, no-till, fertilizer, and others) have on specific fields. The SP is not a government program or a carbon market.
Is 45Z (the federal Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit) included?
A Carbon Intensity (CI) score module may be added to Wayfindr depending on the actions of the federal government.
What value do I receive?
1. Quickly evaluate and compare changes to your field operations before you implement them
2. Increase/maintain net return per acre
3. Improve soil health
4. Quantify and improve water, soil, and nutrient retention within the field
5. Increase yields in low-performing areas of a field
6. Differentiate your commodity in the market
7. Qualify for tax credits
8. Leverage market interest in land stewardship
9. Better manage agronomic risk and preservation of agricultural legacy
10. Track and evaluate changes over time.
What is the cost?
The SP is currently funded by sponsors and there is no cost. The Mosaic Company, The International Water Institute and Cargill (Global Water Challenge). There will be a small cost per acre if a Carbon Intensity (CI) score module is added.
Will my contact information be shared? Will anyone be trying to sell me something?
No.
Who owns the data in Wayfindr?
You own your indvidual data. Wayfindr does not share your data with anyone. The SP anonymizes and aggregates data to quantify the improvements across all Wayfindr users over time. No information about you or your farm operation is disclosed. A confidentiality agreement signed during the application process describes data ownership and use.
Who will I be sharing information with?
An IWI Program Specialist. Your trusted advisor, if you have one.
What input information is required?
– Description of your operation (crop rotation, tillage, and fertilizer history) for each field enrolled
– Crop yield
– Commodity price
– Precision agriculture data (optional)
– Direct/indirect production expenses (optional)
Am I obligated to the IWI or to program sponsors?
No. The IWI reports annually to program funders only the anonymized and aggregated expected improvements in water runoff and water quality realized through the SP. No personal or business information is shared.
What is the time commitment?
Expect an average of 30 minutes per field. Data input is facilitated by a mobile field application. Also expect to meet with your trusted advisor to develop strategies intended to improve the farm operation and review results.
Does Wayfindr connect to Farm Management Systems?
Soon. We’re working to build integrations with common software applications so that you can enter and view data all in one place. Let us know which FMS are important to you – contact shelly@iwinst.org
Do I need to enroll all my fields?
No. Producers can enroll one or more fields. Wayfindr users report great value in using the summary Stewardship Rating function to assess their entire operation.
How can I participate?
Fill out a simple request form and speak to an IWI Program Specialist. We encourage you to invite your trusted advisor to the conversation. Participation is voluntary. One or more fields can be enrolled.
Is there a downside to participating?
Participating in the SP requires about 30 minutes per field enrolled.
What if I encounter problems?
Discuss questions with your Program Specialist at any time. If necessary, you can withdraw from the program.
New Indices
Recognizing that the science of sustainability continues to evolve, Wayfindr is built to evolve along with it. As standards for measuring other indicators of field stewardship(e.g., carbon intensity, biodiversity) become well-established and accepted, indices for those variables can be added to Wayfindr for calculations.
Stewardship Program Sponsors
