Zonguldak retiree starts livestock farm using severance pay

Aydemir Akbaş, a 43-year-old father of three, has transitioned from mining to livestock farming in the Kilimli district of Zonguldak. After working for 16 years at a mine affiliated with the Türkiye Taşkömürü Kurumu (TTK), Akbaş retired last year.

Using a portion of his retirement severance pay, Akbaş utilized idle land inherited from his father to establish a farm. Alongside his wife, Yonca Akbaş, he purchased two large cattle and 15 small livestock. The couple produces and sells cheese and yogurt derived from the animals' milk to generate income.

Akbaş noted that while he had long desired to pursue animal husbandry, his previous mining career left him with no time to do so. He emphasized that success in the sector requires passion and a genuine connection with the animals, rather than viewing it solely as a source of profit.