Meat and Dairy Institution will establish a fattening farm

Meat and Milk Institution (ESK) General Manager Mustafa Kayhan stated that his goal is to establish cattle farms in some regions of Turkey, especially in areas close to big cities, saying, “We have to do cattle planning through the expansion of the production contract or through the establishment of cattle farms”.

Kayhan said they have implemented the studies they have done to intervene in the recent rise in red meat prices.

Kayhan pointed out that measures must be taken in the medium term, and said that it is necessary to ensure the integration of producers and industrialists, and that it is important to expand contracted livestock.

Noting that one of their medium-term goals is livestock management, Kayhan stated that they will establish cattle farms in all regions of Turkey close to the IHC combines.

Kayhan gave the following information:

“Our goal is to establish fattening farms in various regions of Turkey that we own, especially in areas close to big cities. We have to do livestock planning either by expanding contracted production or by establishing fattening farms.

We will establish fattening farms with an average of 20 thousand heads of animals. For example, when we have at least 100,000 head of cattle, we can stabilize the price by supplying large quantities of goods to the market as soon as the price enters an upward trend.

This farm construction project will be invested as soon as possible, and we have projects prepared in various cities. In fact, we will definitely get into this ranching business by renting out idle farms. Our priority here is to get animals from within.”

“INCREASING THE WELL-BEING OF THE DAIRY PRODUCER IS IMPORTANT FOR THE SECTOR”

Expressing that cattle farming should be developed in rural areas where pasture areas are large, Kayhan stated that a price policy that increases the welfare of milk producers is important for the sector. Kayhan noted that when they are provided, the problem of meat will be largely eliminated.

Noting that the balance between supply and demand deteriorates in some periods, Kayhan said, “Periods like pandemics or droughts disrupt the balance. When this balance is disturbed, people leave this job when they lose their income. There is a serious migration from the countryside to the cities,” he said.

Noting that they determine strategies by constantly measuring the market, Kayhan stated that they measure the supply gap in the market and take action accordingly.

Kayhan emphasized that animal and carcass meats are substituted in the market in a way that does not cause detriment to the producer, that this will not be continuous and is a transition period.

Kayhan stated that speculative price increases were experienced due to the supply squeeze with the expectation that prices would rise.

“NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD”

Noting that an average of 5 million head of cattle are slaughtered annually in the country, Kayhan said:

“2 million of this is produced from high quality feeder calves. The average weight of the carcass is 350 kilograms. All this meat is destined for retail trade or industry. In fact, it is this meat that determines the price. The share of producers with large numbers of animals in animals culled now exceeds 50 percent. While the proportion of breeders with less than 100 animal heads in Turkey should be over 50 percent, we are now facing the opposite picture. That’s the problem. Companies that come from outside the sector mainly tie up imported fattening calves and do not breed when they are not available.”

Explaining that there is a need for sustainable livestock farming in Turkey, Kayhan said, “Our goal is to reduce the share of the big ones in the market volume, including integrating the big ones into the institution and directing them to production, and supporting the big ones. small and medium. medium-sized companies and increase their participation in production. This is a structure that is more resilient to market fluctuations.” saying.

Kayhan stated that loss of income for small businesses should not be tolerated and stated that the key to avoiding market fluctuation is small family businesses. (AA)