The hope of livestock farming in Turkey is in the youth: Küpeli Çoban has become a role model for young people

A young entrepreneur who graduated from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Gölhisar Vocational School of Architectural Restoration chose to return to his hometown, Sağırlar Village in Dursunbey district of Balıkesir, instead of going to the city right after receiving his diploma. His dream of livestock farming, rooted in his childhood years, has now expanded to a herd of 70 heads and a modern farm with a capacity of 100 large cattle.

Started with 2 lambs, reached a herd of 70 heads

Furkan Aşık, who set out saying, “I want to run my own business,” reached a herd of 70 heads in a short time on his journey that began about two years ago with just 2 lambs. The young entrepreneur, known as “Küpeli Çoban” in Dursunbey due to the earrings in his ears, emphasizes that livestock farming is a profitable business when done with the right system; “It is almost impossible not to make money in livestock farming. Maybe I am looking at it very positively, but it is hard to incur losses under current conditions. With proper planning, technology, and discipline, this business can be profitable.” he said.

Met with students at MAKÜ

To strengthen his theoretical knowledge, Aşık headed back to the university from which he graduated to share his success story with students at the MAKÜ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine before receiving training. The moderation of the interview was undertaken by Lecturer Abdüllatif Emirikci, while the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağrı Karakurum, evaluated the young entrepreneur's story with the following words:

“We are talking about a young person who, at a time when young people do not want to stay in the village, returns to his village after finishing school and grows livestock. Livestock farming is not just an economic activity; it requires labor, patience, and a strong will. Furkan's story is an important source of inspiration for young people.”

100-head modern farm with TÜME support

Furkan Aşık, who draws attention with the content he produces on social media, was noticed by the Agricultural Technologies Cluster (TÜME) with the support of his university professors. With TÜME's support, a modern farm with a capacity of 100 heads is being established in his village.

The Küpeli Çoban, who will start working at the fully automated farm to be established by TÜME, will also take care of his own lambs and sheep, receiving a week-long training from the academics of the MAKÜ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Aşık states that livestock farming should now be managed not only with physical labor but also with technology and data:

“Experience gained in the field is very valuable, but when combined with academic knowledge, a real system is established. Automation, data tracking, artificial intelligence, and digital management reduce labor, decrease error rates, and increase profitability. Livestock farming is now a management and technology business.”

“The biggest need of livestock farming in Turkey is the youth”

Pointing out that the young population's distancing from villages has created a serious gap in the sector, “Küpeli Çoban” delivers his message clearly:

“If you want to do this job, do not be afraid. Research, learn. Make decisions not with the fears of others, but with your own truths. When livestock farming is done with the right system, it is not just a profession but a strong entrepreneurship model.”

The story of Furkan Aşık, who started his journey at the age of 23 with two lambs and has now expanded to a farm with a hundred heads, shows how knowledge, courage, and determination can open the door to a great transformation in rural areas. The determination of a young person who prefers to stay in the village is now a source of hope for other young people.

After the interview, Aşık will receive theoretical training from faculty members at the MAKÜ Animal Hospital and will receive practical training at the university's application farms throughout the week.