Introduction – Turkey’s Cattle Market: A Quantitative Overview
When it comes to cattle exports, Turkey is a country full of both opportunity and complexity. As of 2025, Turkey finds itself in a transitional phase, dealing with a tightening domestic cattle supply while still playing an important role in the global livestock value chain.
Currently, Turkey’s cattle inventory is projected to decline by 4%, bringing the total headcount to around 15 million. That might sound like a lot, but in agricultural terms, it’s a significant drop—especially considering the rising global demand for red meat. The primary reason? Increased slaughter rates of dairy cows, largely driven by unsustainable raw milk prices.
Despite these internal challenges, Turkey remains a key importer of live cattle, bringing in over 700,000 head in 2023 alone. Most of these came from Brazil and Uruguay, underlining Turkey’s growing dependency on external sources to meet domestic demand.
What does this mean for businesses looking to source cattle from Turkey? In a word: opportunity. But to seize it, you’ll need to take a data-driven approach—analyzing market signals, supplier performance, and export dynamics. Platforms like Freshdi make this easier by offering real-time RFQ trends, verified supplier listings, and dynamic insights into market shifts.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Turkey’s livestock industry is in flux, and the numbers tell the story. Here’s what’s happening on the ground:
- Cattle Inventory (2025): 15 million head, down 4% year-over-year.
- Live Cattle Imports (2023): Over 700,000 head.
- Brazil: 343,000+
- Uruguay: 161,000+
- Feeder Cattle Import Quota (2024): 600,000 head, with room for adjustment based on demand.
Now, let’s connect the dots. The rising RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes on Freshdi indicate growing buyer interest in Turkish cattle suppliers—not just for live animals, but also for feed solutions, veterinary supplies, and logistics.
Exporters who can maintain quality, traceability, and health compliance are seeing increased traction. Verified suppliers on Freshdi are particularly benefiting, as buyers prioritize transparency, certifications, and consistency.
Top 8 Verified Cattle Suppliers in Turkey – Leading Exporters by Volume
Choosing the right supplier can make or break your sourcing strategy. Here are the top 8 verified cattle-related suppliers in Turkey for July 2025, based on export volume, certifications, and Freshdi user feedback:
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PARSMEGA MAKINA
Specializes in turnkey cattle feed facilities, offering scalable solutions for both small and industrial-scale farms. -
YALCIN YEM A.S.
A leader in high-performance cattle feed production, known for consistent quality and export-ready packaging. -
Medi Su Ltd
Offers veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal health solutions critical for maintaining export-grade livestock. -
Turkish Animal Feed Exporter
Focuses on protein-rich feed mixes optimized for cattle fattening programs. -
BEYCELIK GIDA TARIM HAYVANCILIK LTD. STI.
Offers integrated cattle farming solutions, from breeding to export logistics. -
Cobanoglu Yem
Specializes in dairy cattle feed with high milk-yield potential, widely used across the EU and MENA regions. -
ULU ILAC KIM SAN TIC LTD STI
Provides biosecurity products and veterinary solutions to ensure livestock health and compliance with export standards. -
CANSU AKVARYUM
Known for livestock logistics and customized cattle transport containers, particularly for live animal exports.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Freshdi regularly updates its supplier rankings based on export performance, RFQ response rates, and buyer feedback. Keep an eye out for monthly or quarterly “Top Supplier” badges to identify emerging leaders.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Import Quotas & Export Signals
Turkey’s 2024 quota of 600,000 feeder cattle is more than just a number—it’s a signal. It tells us that the government is actively managing the supply chain to stabilize food prices and meet demand. These quotas are governed by the Turkish Meat and Milk Institution (ESK), which ensures quarantine testing and equitable distribution.
Price Trends: A Rollercoaster Ride
By mid-2024, meat prices soared, reaching 450-550 TRY/kg ($14-17/kg). That’s a jaw-dropping 43% increase compared to the year before. What’s driving this? A combination of lower domestic supply, global feed costs, and increased consumer demand.
If you’re a buyer, timing your procurement around these seasonal price spikes can make a big difference. Historical pricing data, accessible through platforms like Freshdi, can help forecast these trends and fine-tune your sourcing calendar.
Cattle Inventory Forecasts
Turkey’s herd is shrinking. By the end of 2025, total cattle numbers are expected to drop by 4%. Most of the reduction comes from increased slaughtering of dairy cows, which is tied to poor raw milk prices. This shift is pushing more buyers to look for cattle outside traditional dairy lines—like beef-specific breeds.
Growing Beef Imports
To fill the domestic void, Turkey’s beef imports are expected to hit a record 80,000 metric tons in 2024—a 131% jump from the previous year. This opens doors for foreign exporters but also increases competition for local Turkish suppliers, prompting them to step up their quality, traceability, and logistics capabilities.
Regulatory Shifts
In April 2024, Turkey banned live cattle imports from the U.S. due to H5N1 outbreaks. This underscores how sensitive the market is to disease concerns. Suppliers with robust biosecurity protocols and traceability systems are gaining favor among international buyers.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Turkey’s cattle export market is a landscape of opportunities wrapped in complexity. If you’re a buyer, the key is knowing where to look, who to trust, and when to act.
The country’s declining cattle inventory, rising meat prices, and strategic import policies all point to one thing: businesses need reliable, verified suppliers more than ever. The top 8 suppliers listed here offer a solid starting point, but remember—market dynamics shift fast.
That’s where Freshdi comes in. With real-time RFQ trends, supplier performance data, and dynamic rankings, Freshdi is your go-to tool for navigating Turkey’s evolving livestock landscape.
Checklist for Cattle Buyers in Turkey (2025 Themed)
✅ Verify supplier credentials on Freshdi
✅ Monitor monthly price trends before signing contracts
✅ Prioritize suppliers with strong logistics & biosecurity practices
✅ Align sourcing timelines with Turkey’s import/export quotas
✅ Use Freshdi’s RFQ tools to compare quotes across multiple suppliers
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Turkey’s Cattle Sector?
Looking ahead, several key developments will shape the Turkish cattle market:
- Livestock Roadmap (2024–2028): This government initiative aims to increase sustainable production, improve animal health, and reduce dependency on imports.
- Biosecurity Investments: As disease risks rise, suppliers with robust animal health systems will dominate.
- Digital Sourcing: Platforms like Freshdi will become essential for buyers needing verified suppliers and real-time data.
For businesses, the challenge is clear: adapt fast, stay informed, and leverage technology to make smarter sourcing decisions.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
- Verified Suppliers: Only trusted, vetted exporters are listed.
- RFQ Insights: Track market demand in real time.
- Dynamic Rankings: See who’s leading the market each month.
- Trade Intelligence: Get data on price trends, shipping timelines, and import/export forecasts.
- End-to-End Support: From quote to customs, Freshdi helps buyers manage the full import process.
References
- FAS USDA – Livestock in Turkey (2025)
- Agriland – Turkey’s Cattle Imports (2023)
- Reuters – Turkey Egg Export News (2025)
- FAS USDA – Feeder Cattle Quotas
- ITP News – Meat Prices & Roadmap
- FAS USDA – Trade Ban on U.S. Cattle
FAQs
1. What makes Turkey a good sourcing destination for cattle in 2025?
Despite declining domestic supply, Turkey has a strong export infrastructure, strategic policies, and a growing network of verified suppliers.
2. How can I verify a Turkish cattle supplier?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access supplier certifications, trade history, and buyer reviews.
3. Are there seasonal fluctuations in cattle prices in Turkey?
Yes, prices often rise during peak demand seasons like Eid and winter months. Use historical data to plan your purchases accordingly.
4. What are the health requirements for importing cattle from Turkey?
Turkey follows strict biosecurity and quarantine standards. Always work with suppliers who comply with international veterinary regulations.
5. Can I buy more than just live cattle from Turkish exporters?
Absolutely. Many suppliers offer feed, veterinary products, logistics services, and even turnkey feedlot solutions.
