USDA is required by statute (section 2709 of the 2008 farm bill) to establish guidelines to quantify environmental services and to facilitate participation by farmers, ranchers, and forest…

The Department of Agriculture Office of the Chief Economist awarded Tarleton State University a $350,000 cooperative agreement on September 15, 2025, under the Agricultural Market and Economic Research program (CFDA 10.290) to develop, operate, and maintain the Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT). The NTT enables farmers, ranchers, and states to quantify nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment benefits from on-farm conservation activities and to participate in water quality trading and watershed incentive programs, fulfilling USDA's statutory obligation under the 2008 Farm Bill to establish guidelines for environmental services quantification and market participation.

Work is performed in Texas with a period of performance through September 14, 2026. Tarleton State University, a public land-grant institution based in Stephenville and a member of the Texas A&M University System, serves as the direct recipient. The agreement supports USDA's collaboration with the university to maintain operational capacity and continued enhancement of the tool, which functions as a key infrastructure asset for producers seeking market opportunities in emerging environmental services transactions.

USDA is required by statute (section 2709 of the 2008 farm bill) to establish guidelines to quantify environmental services and to facilitate participation by farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in emerging environmental services markets. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to continue USDA's collaboration with tarleton state university for the development, operations and maintenance of the nutrient tracking tool (NTT). Farmers and states use the NTT to quantify nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment benefits of on-farm conservation activities and to provide enhanced market opportunities for producers by facilitating their participation in various water quality trading and watershed incentive programs.