Frequently Asked Questions
Why
Should A Producer Participate in the Program?
An
application
is required to participate in the SP. Participation is
voluntary. One or more fields can be enrolled in the program. If
you are interested in researching and putting new ideas into
practice to enhance your agricultural operation, take part.
What
do Participants Receive?
Producers receive
information for each field enrolled in the SP. Producers compare
their existing operation to alternative field plans (developed
through the SP) to understand how to boost net return, raise the
Stewardship Rating, and manage environmental outcomes. Delving
into the details means a famer can better understand the rate of
soil loss, irrigation efficiency, nutrient loss, soil water
retention and their downstream water quality impact. Producers
can evaluate their net return and expenses against similar farms
operating in the region.
How
Are the Results Used
You
can use the results to implement specific methods to improve
your operation and realize an increase in the net return per
acre, while increasing your stewardship rating and improve water
management.
What
Information is required?
The
easiest way to describe your operation is with a six-crop,
tillage, and fertilizer history for each field. Developing
and
evaluating strategies (i.e., field plans) to improve the net
return and stewardship rating requires the same data. Using
the Wayfindr technology, field and prescription maps can be
quickly produced or uploaded for use in producing the
information products offered through the SP. It's also vital to
provide details about your farming approach, field drainage
methods and conservation efforts. The financial analysis
requires crop yield, commodity price and direct and indirect
production expense information.
What
is the Time Commitment?
The time
commitment varies depending on how well records are organized
and how deeply a producer wants to delve into the specifics of
the results. In less than a day, a well-organized producer can
gather all the data required for the SP. The data required can
be rapidly collected using our Wayfindr technology during the
first of three Producer meetings. Meetings are required to
develop the strategies intended to improve the farm operation
and review results. Depending on the level of organization and
the accessibility of farm records, the typical time commitment
ranges from 16 to 40 hours.
Who
is Providing Funding?
The
SP
is financed by The Mosaic Company, The International Water
Institute and Cargill.
What
is the Producer Cost?
The Producer
incurs no costs UNLESS they want to leave the program without
good reason. All producer cost is defrayed by program funders.
Will
I Receive a Stipend?
Rather than a
stipend, Producers receive the information products at no
charge.
Am
I Obligated to Program Funders?
No.
The IWI reports only the expected improvements in water
runoff and water quality realized through the program to the
funders. No
personal or business information is shared.
Who
Owns The Producer’s Data
The
Producer owns the data provided. A confidentiality agreement
signed during the application process describes data ownership
and use. No
information about a farm operation is disclosed. Any information
within reports will be anonymous. You will retain ownership of
all your data.
Who
Will I be Speaking to and Sharing Information With?
The SP is being
led by staff from the IWI. The face-to-face meetings are
expected to occur on your farm with a representative of the IWI.
Can
my Trusted Agronomic Advisor Participate?
Yes.
Participation is highly encouraged. Including
your agronomist or crop consultant in the discussion about how
to increase net return is very helpful.
Is there a downside with participating?
Participating in the SP requires a time
commitment from you. This will include time needed by you to share
your operational methods and precision agricultural data. There is
also a possibility the SP may show unexpected results.
What if there are problems?
We certainly hope there are no problems.
However, should you encounter problems you may discuss these with
the science lead from the IWI and if necessary, withdraw from the
program. If you withdraw after the start of the SPP and have used
Technical Services, you will be required to reimburse the IWI for
these costs.
