AI-powered autonomous farms are becoming widespread in Turkey: 22 entrepreneurs are switching to the new model

Agricultural entrepreneurs selected from 12 cities are transitioning to farms where robotic systems will be used for milking, feeding, animal tracking, and field operations.

12punto 05 October 2026

With a new program aiming to accelerate digital transformation in agriculture and livestock in Turkey, 22 agricultural entrepreneurs selected from 12 cities are preparing to switch to an AI-powered autonomous farm model. Within the scope of the initiative launched by the Agricultural Technologies Clustering Foundation (TÜME), the farms to be established will carry out milking, feeding, animal tracking, barn climate control, and certain field operations using robots, sensors, and data systems.

The farms, each planned with a capacity of 100 head of cattle, aim to monitor production processes more regularly and make decision-making mechanisms data-driven. The health status of the animals, environmental conditions, and production processes will be continuously monitored through sensors and imaging systems placed inside the farms. The collected data will then be evaluated using artificial intelligence and analysis systems.

DAILY TASKS WILL BE HANDED OVER TO ROBOTS

In the new model, a significant portion of repetitive tasks that require intensive human labor in traditional farms will be performed by automation systems. While autonomous milking robots will perform milk extraction with less human intervention, they will also ensure that the data obtained during milking is recorded digitally.

Milk milking in autonomous farms will be performed with robotic systems; milking data will be monitored digitally.

Feeding and nutrition processes are also among the important topics of the program. With autonomous calf feeding systems, automatic feeding solutions, and feed-pushing robots, the goal is to carry out the animals' nutrition programs more regularly. Thanks to smart feed centers, the preparation of feed and its delivery to the correct points within the farm will also be managed by digital systems.

Sensor-based systems will also be used to control the barn environment. By continuously monitoring temperature, ventilation, and other environmental conditions, it is planned to track variables that affect animal welfare and production efficiency more closely.

DRONES AND ROBOTIC VEHICLES WILL BE USED IN FIELDS

The autonomous production model will not be limited to livestock. Within the scope of the program, autonomous spraying and harvesting systems that can be used in agricultural production will also be put into operation. Agricultural drones and robotic vehicles will be used to automate some operations currently performed by human labor in the fields.

The goal is to increase automation in operations such as spraying and harvesting with agricultural drones and robotic vehicles.

By combining data from sensors with autonomous systems in the field, the aim is to achieve more precise production. Thus, instead of applying the same process to the entire field, it will be possible to identify the areas in need and perform interventions only at the necessary points.

Entrepreneurs included in the program are undergoing a training process to manage their farms. Candidates who receive theoretical and practical training in animal health, herd management, production planning, business management, robotics, sensors, data analysis, and AI-supported production are certified after an examination. Successful entrepreneurs are then introduced to investors to begin the farm installation process.

The implementation phase has begun for the farms established for entrepreneurs; the installation of some facilities has been completed.

In the last year, a total of 24 autonomous farms have been established in 12 cities. 12 of these were implemented for education and research purposes at universities, and 12 for agricultural entrepreneurs. The farms at universities were granted under a protocol signed with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). These facilities aim to provide students and local producers with practical training on new technologies, conduct scientific studies under real production conditions, and bring R&D activities to the field.

In the farms established for entrepreneurs, the process has reached the implementation stage. It is stated that the installation of some facilities has been completed and that the animals are expected to be brought to the new farms. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, one of the entrepreneurs, Şeydanur Kaya, stated that they aim to obtain 100 healthy calves from 100 brood Angus cattle.

The short-term goal of the program is to have 40 AI-powered autonomous farms operational by the end of 2026. In the long term, it is stated that TÜME aims to create an ecosystem that can connect 40 thousand young agricultural entrepreneurs with 40 thousand new-generation autonomous farms.