Perfil dos produtores de leite e da assistência técnica em cidades do Mato Grosso e Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Dairy farming is an activity of great socioeconomic importance for Brazilian agribusiness, standing out for its role in generating employment and income, as well as contributing to food security. However, the sector still faces challenges related to low productivity, inadequate technical management, and the lack of a systematic zootechnical control. This study aimed to analyze the reality of dairy farming in regions of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, with an emphasis on productive characteristics and the challenges faced by producers, as well as to identify areas in which technical assistance professionals can contribute to improving the activity. The methodology was based on the application of questionnaires to milk producers, covering aspects such as production system, herd breed composition, feeding management, and milking method. The results showed that inadequate management, lack of continuous technical assistance, limited use of technologies, and producers’ resistance to adopting new practices negatively affect production efficiency in both regions. In addition, it was observed that zootechnical control is still rarely applied, compromising genetic selection and reproductive planning of the herds. The study revealed the heterogeneity of dairy farming in both states, highlighting structural, productive, managerial, and technological differences, as well as variations in zootechnical management. It was verified that access to technical assistance promotes better organization and the adoption of more efficient practices, reinforcing the importance of training and professional support for the professionalization and sustainability of the dairy sector.