Data from the 1996 Brazilian census, available from IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) in digital format, along with edafoclimatic data comprised the GIS databases used in this work. The cluster analysis was used, followed by a discriminant analysis with the objective of pooling milk producing areas showing the same similarity patterns, considering each variable set. In addition, to establish clusters, the relative importance of each variable was evaluated, within each group. Mapping of dairy husbandry in the southern region of Brazil showed the existence of four distinct areas concerningregional production patterns. The zone with the lowest animal (1249 liters per cow per year) and land (19.5 liters per hectare per year) productivity area involves 119 counties. Apparently, their major limitations are poor management practices used and animal genetics, where only 55% of the herd is specialized for milk production. Higher specialization was found in a zone that showed animal productivity of 2864 liters/cow/ year, and land productivity of 6700 liters/hectare/year. This zone comprises 26 counties mainly located at the States of Rio Grande do Sul, northwest (26.0%) and central-east (21.8%), and Paraná, central-east (16.5%) areas.
mapping; dairy husbandry; Southern Region
