Differences and similarities in the milk production chain: a comparative analysis with the states of Minas Gerais and Paraná

Brazilian agriculture has played a prominent role all over the world, being milk production one of the exponents of the national agribusiness. The states of Minas Gerais and Paraná are protagonists in the milk production business in the country. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences and similarities of the milk production chain in these two states, considering the period from 2008 to 2017, in order to investigate their dynamics and their competitiveness. The methodological approach adopted in the research was of a quantitative nature, with the use of the software “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences” (SPSS), which allowed the analysis to be carried out with the statistical techniques of analysis of variance (Anova) and cluster analysis. Ward’s agglomerative method and discriminant analysis were also adopted. The state of Minas Gerais presented a superior milk production chain in comparison with Paraná in every year analyzed; however, statistically there was no significant difference in the milk production from 2009 to 2017. Paraná presented better milk productivity averages as compared to Minas Gerais; it was highly significant (1%) from 2008 to 2016 and significant (5%) in 2017. The results of the cluster analysis indicated that, due to the fact that Paraná has higher productivity indexes in relation to Minas Gerais, its limits are better in relation to Minas Gerais in the analyzed aspects. It was found that some municipalities that are considered to have high productivity in Minas Gerais do not enter this same group in Paraná. It can be said that Paraná was shown to be more efficient in the milk production chain as compared to Minas Gerais in the analyzed time period. The article indicates the need to improve the technology used in the milk production chain, so that the numbers related to productivity can be improved. In addition, it was found that it is necessary to invest in genetics and technical assistance so that milk producers in the states surveyed can become more competitive