24.08.2026 17:11
Entrepreneur Sinan Kolat, a graduate of Robert College, aims to contribute to the development of cattle genetics in Turkey by producing local bull semen at the farm he established in Kırklareli, despite having no background in agriculture or livestock farming in his family history.
Entrepreneur Sinan Kolat, a graduate of Robert College, aims to contribute to the development of cattle genetics in Turkey by producing domestic bull semen at a farm he established in Kırklareli.
NO LIVESTOCK BACKGROUND IN FAMILY HISTORY
Kolat, whose family had no prior involvement in agriculture or livestock, worked in the family businesses of tourism and construction after graduating from Robert College and Sabancı University's Business Administration department.
In 2013, Kolat took advantage of a livestock loan and established a cattle farm on land he purchased in the Deveçatağı village of Kırklareli.
Starting in the sector with 580 pregnant heifers, Kolat increased his investments over the years, bringing the animal population on his farm to 3,100 head and the number of milking (dairy) animals to 1,100.
Producing approximately 42 tons of milk daily, the farm utilizes robotic milking systems as well as modern livestock practices such as genetic testing and embryo transfer.
ONLY ONE AMONG GRADUATE FRIENDS INVOLVED IN THIS FIELD
Sinan Kolat said he never thought about entering the livestock sector during his student years.
Kolat, noting that almost none of his graduate friends are active in this field, stated that he started livestock farming from scratch and learned the business over time in the field.
Expressing that his business education gave him confidence in managing different sectors, Kolat said, "No one in our family had previously dealt with agriculture or livestock. We stepped into this sector with the idea that business graduates can manage the administrative side of any business. My friends and close circle are very surprised when they hear that I, a Robert College graduate, am doing livestock farming. They ask, 'How are the cows?' and 'How do you do it?' The conversation always turns to this topic. It is very enjoyable to see what you produce in the real sector. After challenging initial years, we have become a model farm in Turkey."
Kolat, stating that he enjoys livestock farming, said he gained significant experience over time in a sector he started without any prior knowledge.
Noting that they obtain approximately 42 tons of milk daily, Kolat stated that they aim to further increase efficiency and total milk production.
CONDUCTING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
Kolat, stating that they closely follow technological developments on the farm, said they utilize genetic testing and embryo transfer applications to improve the genetic quality of the herd, alongside robotic milking systems.
Noting that a significant portion of the bull semen used in artificial insemination in Turkey is obtained from abroad, Kolat said they are carrying out a project for domestic bull semen production.
Kolat reported that the genetic characteristics of the bulls raised on their farm are also competitive at an international level.
Stating that they are conducting joint work with the International Livestock Research and Training Center in Ankara, Kolat said, "We will produce domestic bull semen from our bulls and spread its use across Turkey. We intend to make a leap forward in cattle genetics in Turkey, to go much further. Of course, this is a very long-term project. It has reached a certain stage and will now start being used in the field. Within the scope of the project, we have received the first semen and started sales."
Kolat, stating that they aim to contribute to the development of the genetic capacity of Turkey's cattle population as the project expands, noted that they continue their work with new investments that will increase production and efficiency.