Granja Brancher brings four generations together and produces 3,800 litres daily
Granja Brancher, in Linha Lourdes in the municipality of Pinhalzinho, Santa Catarina, was established in 1965 by Élido and Assunta. The farm now involves four generations of the family in dairy production, with older members following the property’s development while younger relatives handle operational and administrative duties.
The farm’s succession arrangements divide work among family members. Eduardo, an agricultural engineer, and his brother Victor oversee crops and livestock management. Camila, who has postgraduate training in people management, and Naira, an accountant, are responsible for financial controls and the organisation of activities. Naira also takes part in milking and artificial-insemination procedures.
Improvements to the facilities have changed the farm’s production structure. Genetic improvement has been part of the operation for more than 30 years. The herd currently numbers 182 animals, including 92 cows in milk. Each lactating cow produces an average of 42 litres per day, while the farm’s total output is approximately 3,800 litres daily.
Feed planning is based on fully mechanised fields of maize for silage and second-crop soybeans. The property also keeps stored feed reserves sufficient for up to 18 months of the system’s needs. The farm describes this arrangement as a way of limiting the effects of weather variation and market uncertainty on its activities.
Family members’ separate responsibilities allow the operation’s labour requirements to be combined with the organisation of personal life. The farm’s account presents participation by relatives, investment in technology and genetic selection as elements of its continued operation and of younger family members remaining in agriculture.
The Granja Brancher family’s story was featured on the Estação Rural programme, broadcast on Saturdays at 6:30am by Rádio Centro Oeste on 100.9 FM. The programme is offered by Cooper Itaipu, Fecoagro and Sicredi Conexão, and the full interview is available on the broadcaster’s YouTube channel.
