Turkey's hope for livestock farming is in the youth: Küpeli Çoban became a role model for young people

The young entrepreneur, a graduate of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Gölhisar Vocational School Architectural Restoration Department, chose to return to his father's home in Sağırlar Village, Dursunbey district of Balıkesir, instead of going to the city as soon as he received his diploma. His livestock adventure, which dates back to his childhood dreams, has now expanded to a herd of 70 and a modern farm with a capacity of 100 cattle.

Started with 2 lambs, reached a herd of 70

Setting out with the desire to "do my own business," Furkan Aşık reached a herd of 70 in a short time, starting his journey with just 2 lambs about two years ago. Known as the "Earring Shepherd" in Dursunbey due to the earrings in his ears, the young entrepreneur emphasizes that livestock farming is a profitable business when done with the right system, saying; “It is almost impossible not to make money in livestock farming. Maybe I am very optimistic, but under the current conditions, it is difficult to incur losses. With proper planning, technology, and discipline, this business is profitable.”

Met with students at MAKÜ

Returning to the university he graduated from to strengthen his theoretical knowledge, Aşık met with students at MAKÜ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to share his success story before receiving his education. The interview was moderated by Lecturer Abdüllatif Emrikçi, 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, in a period when young people do not want to stay in the village, returned to his village after finishing school and expanded livestock farming. Livestock farming is not just an economic activity; it requires effort, patience, and a strong will. Furkan's story is an important source of inspiration for young people.”

A modern farm with a capacity of 100 with TÜME support

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

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

Aşık says 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. Thanks to automation, data tracking, artificial intelligence, and digital management, labor decreases, error rates drop, and profitability increases. Livestock farming is now a management and technology business.”

“The biggest need of Turkish livestock farming is young people”

The "Earring Shepherd," who states that the distancing of young people from villages creates a serious gap in the sector, gives his message clearly:

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

The story of Furkan Aşık, who started his journey with two lambs at the age of 23 and now extends to a farm with a capacity of one hundred, shows how knowledge, courage, and determination can open the door to a great transformation in rural areas. The determination of a young person who chooses to stay in the village now gives hope to other young people.

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