Faruk Şener
Sales and Dealer Management Consultant
Türkiye’s cattle farming sector shows significant regional differences in scale, production models, and infrastructure. Provinces such as Konya, İzmir, Erzurum, and Kars stand out with large cattle populations, while the Aegean, Marmara, and Central Anatolia regions lead with advanced production infrastructure and strong feed industry capacity.
1. NATIONAL OVERVIEW
Cattle farming in Türkiye holds a significant place in agricultural production in terms of both herd size and number of farms. Current data show that a total of 16,952,430 head of cattle are raised on 55,716 farms nationwide.
The sector’s production capacity is supported by an infrastructure comprising 5,145 feed preparation machines and 816 feed manufacturers. These figures indicate that although feeding technologies and feed industry capacity are spread across the country, there is notable concentration in certain regions.
2. REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Cattle farming in Türkiye shows considerable differences in scale and structure across regions.
Eastern Anatolia
With around 3.16 million head of cattle and 2,466 farms, this region has the highest number of animals per farm. Provinces such as Erzurum (709,567 head), Kars (604,291 head), and Ağrı (313,217 head) host large herds thanks to their extensive pasturelands.
Central Anatolia (a key strategic region)
Home to 2.52 million head of cattle and 7,396 farms, it ranks among the top three regions in the country.
- Konya: With 944,744 head of cattle, it has the largest cattle population in Türkiye. Its wide agricultural lands and forage crop production form the backbone of local livestock farming.
- Aksaray: With 333,991 head and 430 farms, it is an important production hub.
- Ankara: With 629,859 head, it is strong in both dairy and beef production.
Central Anatolia’s advantages:
- Extensive agricultural lands → lower feed costs
- Proximity to industrial and market centers → faster product marketing
- High levels of mechanization and modern farm infrastructure → improved productivity
Aegean
With 2.87 million head of cattle and 14,810 farms, it ranks first in number of farms. Afyonkarahisar (385,973 head) and İzmir (883,511 head) have large-capacity facilities for both dairy and beef production.
Southeastern Anatolia
With 1.50 million head of cattle and 1,683 farms, it is one of the regions with larger herd sizes. Batman, Diyarbakır (602,764 head), and Şanlıurfa stand out.
Black Sea
With 2.24 million head of cattle and 9,032 farms, it is characterized by small-scale but widespread family farming. In provinces such as Trabzon, Rize, and Ordu, the number of animals per farm is well above the national average.
Marmara and Thrace
Although its cattle population lags behind the Aegean and Eastern Anatolia, it is a major hub for feed manufacturers and modern dairy facilities. Bursa, Tekirdağ, and Balıkesir are prominent centers.
Mediterranean and Çukurova
With around 750,000 head of cattle, this region hosts modern dairy facilities. Adana, Mersin, and Hatay are the main centers.
3. LEADING PROVINCES
Provinces with the largest cattle populations: Konya (944.744), İzmir (883.511), Erzurum (709.567), Kars (604.291), Diyarbakır (602.764).
Provinces with the highest number of farms: Afyonkarahisar (1.695), İzmir (3.388), Konya (3.677), Ankara (1.441), Balıkesir (1.476).
Provinces with high cattle density: Trabzon, Ağrı, Rize, Siirt, Ordu.
4. DISTRIBUTION OF FEED PREPARATION MACHINES AND MANUFACTURERS
Feed preparation machines are mostly found in İzmir, Konya, Afyonkarahisar, and Ankara. These provinces stand out for both the large number of farms and the scale of operations.
Feed manufacturers are concentrated in the Marmara, Aegean, and Central Anatolia regions. Bursa, Konya, Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, and İzmir are the main hubs of the feed industry.
5. GENERAL ASSESSMENT
Cattle farming in Türkiye displays regionally distinct scales and production models:
- Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia: Large herds, extensive pastures
- Central Anatolia: High production capacity, strong feed production, and mechanization
- Aegean and Marmara: Modern dairy and beef farms, concentrated feed industry
- Black Sea: Widespread but small-scale family farming
Mechanization investments and feed supply chain planning in line with regional production capacity are of critical importance for both efficiency and cost management.