Factors affecting the technologies adoption intensity and effect in milk production in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Brazilian milk production has been increased over the last decade, mainly due to the adoption of technologies and yield gains. However, a huge technological heterogeneity still persists among farmers. This paper adopts Beta regression model to evaluate the factors influencing the intensity of adoption of milk production technologies by 271 dairy farms in the major state of milk production in Brazil, Minas Gerais. The dependent variable is an index that measures the intensity of adoption of most updated technologies in the milk production system. The set of technologies comprises all stages of the milk production system: feeding management, herd management, environmental management and controls equipment and facilities. The explanatory variables refer to farmer and farm´s characteristics, access to information and milk commercialization channel. The results suggest the adoption of technologies is positively influenced by the access to information through radio, magazine, internet, field days and rural extension service. In addition, the risk-taker behavior of farmer and the dependence on the supply chain also foster the adoption. The multiple correspondence analysis technique demonstrated the positive association of intensity technology adoption and milk productivity indicators. The results have implications for diffusion and technology transfer programs through policies or strategies by the industry and collective actions.