The main objective of this work was to analyze the trade between income and risk related to the alternative milk production systems in the region of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, supported by the Federal University of Viçosa and Nestlé. A standard linear programming model provided the identification of the best options among the activities displayed for the maximization of the gross annual income. By means of the rentability calculation of the different milk production systems and risk linked to them it was possible to identify that the milk producers behaved differently in relation to the risk. Generally the producers who are more dependent to the milk activity for their survival are more adverse to risk.