Pecuária familiar: um estudo no município de Lavras do Sul-RS

Abstract

The beef cattle practiced in an extensive system, in the fields of natural Lavras do Sul - RS has a significant importance in the social reproduction of family ranchers. In this sense, the objective of this study is to characterize the profile of the farmer family of the first district of South Lavras, using beef cattle as a means of social reproduction, specifically seeks to identify the main difficulties, as well as key strategies taken to remain in the activity. The fieldwork was conducted during May and June 2012. For this we used a roadmap for research semi-structured, containing open and closed questions, with ten family ranchers of 1st District Lavras do Sul-RS. Issues realize some axes set as profile producer; perception of farmers on the main causative factors of vulnerability and / or risk and the strategies adopted. Through the data obtained can be noted that the beef cattle industry is the main agricultural activity, and is used as a source of social reproduction and has a significant importance for the maintenance of the families in the countryside. Among the farmers interviewed predominant view that cattle are a type of savings. It not infrequently leads to overcrowding, and consequently a degradation of native grassland. Another factor to be noted is the importance of rural retirement, paid work, or sporadic service in the neighborhood to supplement the family income. As main problems ranchers indicate climatic conditions (droughts and winter strict) that hinder the production, as well as the difficulty of hiring of manpower. As possible strategies through periods of crisis ranchers indicate the marketing of livestock, and seek some form of paid work outside the property, as many respondents already do. The marketing of cattle and mostly done through trim the exhibition park of the Rural Union, including the possibility of participation of small producers.