Where should I begin? A pre-start checklist

Before starting to enter data into Sandy, it’s worth considering the following points:

1. What is your end goal?

Be clear on what you want to achieve from this process and what you will use the result for. This end goal can influence parameters such as the quantity of data required, timespan of data and the scope of your footprint.

2. What is the scope of my footprint?

Depending on your goal, you may wish to exclude parts of your business, or certain land uses, or environmental features. For example, if you are hoping to showcase the environmental credentials of a specific product, consider excluding other enterprises on your farm, but perhaps including processing and storage. If your goal is to generate natural capital credits, you may wish to include as wide a range of land use features as possible in your scope.

3. How much time can I commit?

We have API links to bring in your data from Gatekeeper and Muddyboots, but for larger or very diverse enterprises, there is still a time commitment involved in measuring your carbon footprint accurately. This is particularly the case for those hoping to trade natural capital. However, if your records are in good order, an initial footprint for a simple arable or livestock enterprise can be generated in a week (in and around other farm work).

4. Who will be inputting the data?

If tasking another person with entering data into Sandy, make sure that they are adequately prepared and understand your aims. Also ensure that they have access to your records, in particular, your farm management software if you use it.

5. Do I have access to all the data I need?

Sandy can function with just one cropping year of data, but a more reliable result needs at least three cropping years of data. For users hoping to trade natural capital, five years of data is required. Most data required by Sandy will be records that are kept as standard by farm businesses, but it is advisable to check that you have access to everything you need beforehand. For example, if you use a contractor, will you be able to obtain their fuel usage figures? Likewise, does an adviser or agronomist manage your crop or livestock records for you and do you have easy access?

6. Are my records in the correct format and of suitable quality?

Sandy offers multiple data input methods, but your data does need to be a in specific format. In particular, all field names need to be spelled consistently in all records. Whilst there is no requirement to have your records in a digital format, if your records are currently on paper, it is important to consider the additional time that it will take to enter them into Sandy in the future.

Watch this short video for a quick overview of these points:

Trinity Agtech’s Customer Success team are happy to discuss any of the points above. For more information, please contact customer.support@trinityagtech.com.