Effect of socioeconomic factors on the yields of family-operated milk production systems

Abstract

This study analysed the effect of socioeconomic factors on the yields of 28 family-operated dairy farms in the mesoregion of the Triângulo/Alto Paranaiba in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, to identify which components constituted greater proportions of the total costs and operating efficiency and those components’ effects on revenue. Data were collected from January to December 2013. The socioeconomic factors, place of residence, producer's age, education level, and land tenure were evaluated for their effects on the variables, gross margin, net margin, yield, and profitability. In this study, none of these socioeconomic factors affected the economic variables. Of the net operating costs, the components that constituted most of the dairy farming costs, in descending order, were feed, labour and sanitation. For total costs, the components in descending order were feed, depreciation and return on invested capital. Of the net operating costs, the components constituting most of the dairy business revenue, in descending order, were feed, miscellaneous expenses and labour.