Total Ranch Analysis Colorado (T.R.A.C.): A Ranch Benchmarking Program

Benchmarking is a valuable tool for tracking and comparing the performance of ranch operations over time and relative to peers. However, no benchmark averages have historically been available to cow-calf operators dependent on extensive grazing lands in Colorado. Total Ranch Analysis Colorado (T.R.A.C.) was developed as a collaborative partnership involving Colorado State University faculty and Extension personnel, cattlemen associations, and beef producers. Personnel make onsite visits to collect production and financial records, and participants receive an in-depth analysis that includes a suite of production, financial, and integrated metrics. This article reports benchmark averages from the first cohort of 30 ranch visits.