This paper discusses the methodology of an ergonomic intervention applied on dairy family farming production units (FFPU) based in Western France. Contents include a description of the methodology, the combination of observation sessions and work analysis, as well as learning-action sessions. The Action's Chronicle and the Plan of Buildings Destination (PBD) are analyzed considering their influence on farmer's awareness about the complexity of dairy production activity. Since herd monitoring is a very complex practice and has huge impact on milk productivity, the influence of herd spatial distribution on working conditions is considered carefully. The complexity theory approach is applied in order to identify the causes, the sources of variability and the strategies adopted by dairy farmers.
Agricultural ergonomics; ergonomic work analysis; complexity
