While the number of cattle increased in Türkiye, the import quota gradually decreased

According to the data compiled by the AA correspondent, animal population has shown a steady increase trend in recent years.

According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) data, the number of cattle will be 16 million 583 thousand in 2023, 16 million 986 thousand in 2024, and 17 million 709 thousand in 2025. This increase continued in 2026. As of June 2026, the number of cattle reached 17 million 805 thousand head. While there has been a 7.4 percent increase in the total number of cattle since 2023, the number has increased by over 1 million 200.

With this development in domestic animal existence, the import quota also gradually decreased. In 2023, fattening cattle imports were open to the private sector, and 686 thousand 348 heads of fattening cattle entered the country during this period.

Within the framework of the Livestock Road Map announced in 2024, imports started to be carried out through the Meat and Milk Institution (ESK) as of 2024. In addition, small producers were also taken into account when determining separate quotas for businesses with 200 heads and above and below 200 heads.

Gradual decrease in import quota

Import permits were gradually reduced, taking into account the developments in domestic livestock. The permit, which was 600 thousand head in 2024, decreased to 520 thousand head in 2025 and 500 thousand head in 2026.

With ESK taking over the import in 2024, the number of animals entering the country was below the planned. This number was 479 thousand 803 heads in 2024, 428 thousand 569 heads in 2025, and 252 thousand 24 heads as of September 15 this year. It is expected that this will be approximately 350 thousand head at the end of the year. It seems that imports are used as needed and in a controlled manner, without creating excess supply in the market.

A total of 480 thousand head permits were planned in 2027, based on the needs of the domestic market. This amount was determined at a level that would maintain supply security with the increase in domestic animal wealth. In the new period, a new distribution model will be used that protects small producers and gives priority to businesses that constantly raise livestock. Thus, the aim is to reach imported materials directly to enterprises that produce and contribute to sustainable livestock farming.

These data show that beef cattle imports are used not as a replacement for domestic production, but as a complementary tool that balances the supply in the domestic market.

High demand from producers for pregnant meat breed heifers

Emphasis is placed on strengthening the stock of maternal animals so that the need for fattening materials can be met permanently from our own producers. In this context, the work initiated with the "Rural Abundance Livestock Support Project" attracts attention.

While the project has attracted great interest from rural producers, an increase in producers' demand for pregnant beef breed heifers is noteworthy. The supply of pregnant meat breed heifers, which was approximately 50 thousand head last year, reached 130 thousand head as of September 2026. This number is expected to be approximately 200 thousand by the end of the year.