Análise do gerenciamento da produção de feno: diagnóstico e desenvolvimento de software especializado

Abstract

The study aimed to diagnose the management practices of rural farms engaged in hay production, considering crop management practices, labor, infrastructure, productivity, and logistics, in order to identify challenges and opportunities that may enhance productive and economic efficiency. Based on the information collected, the development of a software tool was proposed, enabling producers to record production, inventory, stock, and sales data, thereby supporting efficient and digitized management. Data were obtained through a questionnaire applied to 55 producers, classified as smallholdings, small farms, or mediumsized farms, and evaluated across the thematic axes: crop management, labor, infrastructure, productivity, and logistics. Data analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn, and Chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that hay utilization varied according to farm size: smallholdings prioritized internal use and the sale of surplus (56.5%), whereas medium-sized farms directed most of their production exclusively to commercialization (50%). Average labor use ranged from 3 workers in smallholdings and small farms to 4 in medium-sized farms. Smaller operations had lower storage capacity (36 t in smallholdings; 120 t in small farms; 396 t in medium farms) and reduced access to mechanization (4, 6, and 7 implements, respectively). The diagnostic assessment supported the development of a management software comprising modules for farm registration, production areas, productivity, stock, and commercialization. Its use will allow producers to estimate profit, manage inventories, and build historical records, offering a simple and effective technological tool to improve hay production management.