For any commodity producer seeking to maximize the value of their product, data is king. 
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Feedstock Carbon Intensity (CI) scoring, a critical metric for ag/biofuel tax credits and conservation programs, relies heavily on detailed data. This data is often captured through Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS), which allows better execution at scale. However, not all data lives in a digital environment which enables easy sharing with the click of the button. And the quality, size, or progressive-nature of a farming operation doesn't always correlate to the depth of data they capture in technology-based systems. The reality is that most farmers still track some (or many) of their operations with “shoebox" systems—using physical records like loose-leaf folders, supplier-invoices, notepads, or even the tongue-in-cheek “shoebox” full of receipts. These manual records are often the key barrier to scaling & verifying carbon intensity incentive programs. So how does a producer seeking to maximize their CI opportunity overcome this hurdle?
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Let’s explore how a farmer with a shoebox system can effectively score their CI without the digital tools.
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The Reality of Shoebox Farming
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A significant portion of farmers, particularly those who rely on third parties for in-season applications or those who utilize equipment without pre-established precision farming technology, maintain crucial operational records in analog formats. Every farmer has a reason for why data lives in an analog format, be it simplicity or security, convenience or cost, and the request of “just send me a digital copy” from external parties requesting that data, will meet significant resistance.
 
All these records, though traditional, are invaluable for CI scoring. And a novel incentive program like 45Z won't be reason enough for farmers to wholly change the way they capture data and track operations. The challenge lies in translating these physical records into a format that can be used for accurate CI assessment. 
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Tips for Farmers to Score CI with Analog Data

1. Organize Your Records:

• Categorize and Label: Sort your physical documents into categories such as fertilizer use, yield records, fuel consumption, and crop management practices. Label each category clearly.
  
• Use Binders or Folders: Make copies of key documents and place them in binders or folders that can be shared with ease. This both keeps data organized and reduces  lag when data sharing is required.

2. Create a Data Inventory:

• List Key Data Points: Secure/Identify and list all critical data points required for CI scoring. This typically includes yield data, nitrogen inputs (rate, timing, form), fertilizer and crop protection, fuel consumption, tillage and conservation practices.
  
• Use a Checklist: Develop a checklist to ensure you have all necessary data. Assign someone within a farming operation or vendor network to track data completeness.

3. Manual Data Entry:

• Spreadsheets: Enter your data into spreadsheets. While this step moves you slightly towards digital management, it is a straightforward way to organize your information without needing advanced FMIS tools. And if it's in a spreadsheet, it can be shared and processed by nearly anyone a producer is seeking to partner with.
  
• Templates: Utilize pre-made templates for data collection. Templates can guide you on what data is needed and how to format it and any CI service provider will have these templates readily accessible.

4. Collaboration with Your Network:

• Ask a Pro: Work with a local retailer, agronomist, or input-service provider who can help translate your physical data into a digital format. Most agronomists are familiar with both the necessary data points and FMIS systems one might utilize in a CI scoring program.
  
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins (likely post-harvest, pre-plant, and/or in-season) with that network-partner to review and update your data.

5. Leveraging Network Resources:

• Retail Services: Engage with local coop, retailer, or input provider that may offer services to help farmers manage and digitize their records. They often have the resources and expertise to assist with data capture.
  
• Shared Tools: Use tools and resources provided by cooperatives to streamline your data management process. Just by purchasing inputs through a provider, many producers can receive a subscription to that providers’ in-house farm management software solution or a solution developed by a key seed or chemical provider-partner.

Best Practices for Effective Data Sharing

1. Standardize Your Formats:

• Uniform Formats: Use standardized forms and templates for recording data. This makes it easier to share and process your information with external parties.
  
• Consistent Units: Ensure all data is recorded in consistent units of measurement to avoid confusion and errors during CI scoring.
• Proper Spelling: This one's a killer for many data capture systems. With seed and chemical companies constantly coming out with new made-up or dug-out-of-a-latin-scroll names for the latest and greatest seed treatment, fungicide, herbicide, or seed trait, it is nearly impossible to manually enter those products with accurate spelling. When data capture systems seek to match up active ingredients to an input with six different spellings in an analog format, it elongates processing timetables for data and negatively impacts the accuracy of one’s scores.

2. Regular Updates:

• Frequent Recording: Regularly update your records to ensure all data is current. This reduces the workload during CI assessment periods, improves accuracy, and ensures that a feedstock producer isn't passed over for CI incentives when the time comes.
  

3. Documentation of Practices:

• Detailed Logs: Maintain detailed logs of all farming practices, including tillage, planting, and harvest dates, as well as input applications.
  
• Photographic Records: Supplement written records with photographic evidence where possible. Photos can provide visual proof of practices and conditions. And when it comes to a physical invoice, a photo of your support documentation that lives on one’s camera roll is simple backup solution for data archiving (and easy sharing)
  

Data Sharing for All 
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While today’s software landscape offers numerous tools for managing agricultural data, farmers can still effectively score their CI with careful organization, manual data entry, and collaboration with professionals. When following these tips and best practices, farmers can ensure their operations are accurately represented and benefit from the conservation and financial advantages of low CI scores.
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By embracing these strategies, any farmer can navigate the complexities of data sharing for CI scoring and contribute to a more profitable and resilient agricultural future.

Incite Staff
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Incite.ag guides producers across the agricultural supply chain to Turn Emissions into Income. Incite.ag’s CI scoring system unlocks novel revenue streams and empowers producers to take control of their unique CI Scores. Learn more by hitting the link below or reach out to the team directly at success@incite.ag or 815.373.0177.