Strategic tools in Brazilian farm management

What is it about?

Farmers make many decisions about production, costs, investment and the future of their farms. Strategic tools can help them organize these decisions, understand risks and plan more clearly. This study examines the use of strategic tools by 181 farmers from the Dourados region, in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. It looks at factors linked to the adoption of these tools, including knowledge of strategic management, education level, farm size, use of control systems, separation between farm and family expenses, and knowledge of cost management. The results show that farmers with more management knowledge, higher education, larger farms and better control routines tend to use strategic tools more often. In plain terms, the article shows that farm management in this region has improved in some areas, but many farms still rely on informal practices.

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Photo by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on Unsplash

Photo by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is relevant because farms are business organizations that need planning, cost control and strategic decisions. The study shows that many rural managers still use strategic tools only in a limited way. This finding matters for public policy, rural advisory services, professional associations and educational institutions. Training programs can focus on strategic management, cost management and practical control routines. The article also helps researchers avoid the assumption that farms already use formal strategic tools. Its evidence shows that the adoption of these tools depends on knowledge, education, farm size and the organization of financial information.

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