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Press release…
Türkiye’s policy on beef-producing pregnant heifers is expected to contribute to the availability of affordable meat…
Bülent Tunç, President of the Central Union of Red Meat Producers of Türkiye, stated the need to continue the policy on beef-producing pregnant heifers in Türkiye’s red meat production; both producers will benefit and consumers will be able to buy meat at affordable prices.
ANKARA…
In comments made to an Anatolian Agency (AA) correspondent, Tunç said that the sector viewed the year-on-year reduction in the beef import quota as a positive development.
Indicating that terrorism had also a negative impact on livestock farming in the past, Tunç said, “I believe that terrorism is one of the main reasons why we are importing so much beef today. Because we did not use the mountain pastures properly, the animals were moved to feedlots.”
Tunç explained that, for this reason, the animals began to be fed with imported feed, which in turn increased costs, leading to a rise in meat prices as production fell.
Pointing out that the proper use of pastures is one of the key factors in keeping prices stable, Tunç said, “We support the eradication of terrorism. You can be certain that the Eastern and South-Eastern Anatolia regions will make a breakthrough in livestock farming.”
“We will see the positive results”
Emphasizing that there has been a spike in livestock numbers as producers have opted to rear pregnant heifers, he noted, “Rather than feeding male calves, producers are rearing pregnant heifers on pastures to obtain their calves; in this way, they both secure their livelihood and contribute to the country’s meat production. This is very important. Farmers will be able to graze their livestock on highlands or pastures at no cost, thereby increasing production. In this way, we will also close the gap in meat production.”
“Together with the ‘Rural Prosperity: Support for Livestock Farming’ project, of which we are a partner, the process has gained significant momentum. The people in the region have realised that meat-producing breeds can also be reared. This year, approximately 180,000 pregnant heifers have arrived, which is a very significant figure. In previous years, this was not the preferred option. The policy adopted by our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı and his team is entirely correct and appropriate. It is also very important for us in terms of the proper utilisation of pastures. With the introduction and breeding of beef cattle breeds in the regions, and with the end of terrorism, we will all see the positive results of this within the next one or two years,” he added.
Highlighting that due to the integrated nature of the global market, it is not possible to eliminate imports entirely, he concluded, “Even Germany and the US currently import cattle.”
