Generational succession in dairy-producing families associated with an agricultural cooperative in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors influencing generational succession in family dairy farming in southern Brazil. Design/methodology/approach A logistic regression model was applied to analyze data from 101 rural youth in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The study focused on their perceptions and experiences regarding succession in family farming. Findings The analysis identified factors positively impacting succession, including higher education levels, leased areas and the family’s domicile situation. However, contrary to expectations, public institutional support was found to negatively affect succession, while cooperative support emerged as a significant driver of continuity in family farming. Research limitations/implications Future research could explore rural dairy farms across different countries, enabling comparative analyses of generational succession dynamics in diverse contexts. Another avenue would involve examining farms where succession is actively underway and comparing agricultural sectors such as dairy, soybeans, corn and meat production. Additionally, future studies could incorporate broader categories, such as environmental factors, and include a wider range of variables to gain deeper insights into the factors shaping succession intentions. Social implications This research can potentially inform both public and private initiatives while fostering academic and professional discourse. Deepening the knowledge of succession dynamics in rural properties can help identify and address the broader social and economic impacts of low or high succession rates, contributing to more effective strategies for sustaining rural communities. Originality/value This research contributes innovative quantitative insights into generational succession dynamics, emphasizing agricultural cooperatives' pivotal role. By addressing the challenges of a declining number of dairy farms, the study provides actionable data for developing policies to retain young talent in rural areas and ensure the longevity of family farming operations.