Field to Market: Fieldprint Calculator

A new version of the ‘fieldprint’ calculator first introduced in 2009 by Field to Market helps farmers in the U.S. to assess how some of their operational decisions affect their sustainability performances.

The tool can be applied to a variety of crops, including corn (maize), cotton, soybeans, and wheat.  It helps farmers to assess their land use, energy use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil loss per unit of output vis-a-vis state or national averages. This free, online tool helps growers voluntarily and securely analyze how their management choices impact natural resources and operational efficiency.

The Fieldprint Analysis estimates field level performance on the following sustainability indicators:

• Biodiversity
• Energy Use
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Irrigated Water Use
• Land Use
• Soil Carbon
• Soil Conservation
• Water Quality

The Fieldprint Platform is simple to use, though the technology behind it is very complex. The Platform uses datasets and methodologies developed by multiple sources, including USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.  This calculator is part of an ongoing project helping to promote sustainability throughout the agricultural supply chain.  Further metrics are being developed for later versions including biodiversity, water quality, and socioeconomic trends.