Characterization of family dairy farm in the north of Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Milk production in the middle region of northern Minas Gerais state is the lowest in the state. However we noticed a considerable growth in recent years. It is important to conduct socioeconomic and generators technicians guiding information for the adoption of policy measures to boost production diagnostics. The aim of this study was to diagnose the production of milk in 30 family dairy farms in Juramento (15) and Montes Claros (15) city, Northern Minas Gerais; by a case study, semi-structured questionnaires that included information about general and sanitary handling, socio-economic characteristics and also surveyed the use of agro-ecological practices in milk production. A systemic approach was used in the application of questionnaires. Out of the 30 properties, 86% have the dairy activity as the main one, followed by 14% of mixed activities. They have low to average technology and most farmers have another source of income in addition to milk production. The absence of agro-ecological practices in the production process was observed in 100% of the properties. It was concluded that milk production in family farms is very widespread, and the main characteristics are of properties with general and sanitary handling problems; the socio-economic characteristics are of families with low to average income and dependent on the milk production to complement it. Regarding the agro-ecological practices, it can be concluded that they were rarely used in the properties surveyed.