A COMMITTED 2025 SOMMET, ALREADY LOOKING TOWARDS 2026

Show Report Press Release ,Friday 10 October 2025 – Clermont-Ferrand, France

At the time of wrapping up this 34th edition of the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SUMMIT), the show’s organisers’ thoughts were very much with the farmers of all the cattle breeds and especially with Charolais farmers as it was their breed that was supposed to have been in the 2025 SOMMET spotlight with their National Championships. Against the backdrop of the exceptional circumstances that hit this year’s event, it still managed to welcome a staggering 104,000 visitors during the four days of the show, a 13% drop compared to 2024.

 

 

In Clermont-Ferrand, the world’s #1 sustainable livestock farming show stayed on course by bringing together farmers and organisations from across the whole agricultural industry. The absence of all cattle at the show meant that horses, sheep and goat breeds, were at the centre of visitors’ focus, attracting some very large crowds.

A positive economic context

 

 

With an economy looking particularly good for investments, livestock breeders and other farmers and growers were present in their numbers in the exhibition halls.

“The SOMMET remains an unmissable trade event for livestock farmers and its associated trades. Proof of this is that some exhibitors have already said that they require more stand space in 2026! The relative drop in visitor numbers was largely offset by a favourable business climate,” as Benoît Delaloy, the SOMMET’s Show Director, conceded.

Strong international presence

A true global hub for livestock farming, the number of foreign visitors was stable compared to previous years, with 6,000 foreign visitors from 104 countries, eight more countries than last year. “Among the highlights were the Farm Tours, and other trade-related site visits, that attracted nearly 1,000 people, that represents an attendance rate of almost 100%!”, a smiling Benoît Delaloy went on to add.

Pastoralists, on track for 2026!

The presence of Jean-Marc Jancovici, the presentation of the sustainable herbivore farming fresco, packed conferences at the Pasto Meet events, the promotion of a grass-fed farming model and the new commitment to raising awareness of tomorrow’s major agricultural challenges is clear, with 2026 declared the International Year of Pastoralists and Rangelands.

“For his first appearance at an agricultural show, Jean-Marc Jancovici drew a full house in the conference centre’s amphitheatre. It sent out a promising signal to the SOMMET’s organisers with its determination to bring together and unite the various parties involved in both agriculture and the environment,” as Bruno Dufayet, President of the Association for the Promotion of Agriculture in the Massif Central (APRAMAC), indicated.

Charolais farmers attract international visitors

In a complicated and challenging cattle-free context, the Herd Book Charolais (this year’s featured breed) organised five farm visits for twenty European delegations from nearly 15 countries, attracting nearly 100 people. It was the opportunity to maintain the economic ties forged in anticipation of this 34th edition of the show.

“90% of the foreign delegations previously announced for this year’s show kept their appointment with the Herd Book Charolais. Feedback from these visits has been extremely positive. When we participate at the SOMMET, everything is in place to facilitate the foreign delegations’ on-farm visits. It’s because of these visits that the breed’s fundamental qualities are presented in context, showcasing the breed’s docility as well as its diversity. With the Grand Charolais Banquet and the festive atmosphere found at the SOMMET, our foreign guests discovered French-style rib of beef, a culinary tradition not necessarily found in their countries!” suggested Denis Brugière, Herd Book Charolais Director.

Media coverage at the SOMMET

This edition brought together close on 240 French journalists, representing around 100 media companies, and 70 international journalists from 30 countries to cover the highlights. The SOMMET can also be found online at the Comptoir des Éleveurs digital platform. TV sets, podcasts, video clips, etc. the 4 days of the show allowed to record, produce and broadcast a wide range of content.

“The use of digital communication has never been so effective as this year at the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE. With nearly 150 programmes produced, doubling that of last year, we covered the event like a true media outlet. We were able to create content that will allow us to extend the SOMMET experience all year round on all social networks to our target audience, via the Comptoir des Éleveurs,” as Victor Berthon, SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE Deputy Show Director told us.

Festivity and fun at the heart of the event

Whether during the day or in the evening, the SOMMET retains its festive DNA! With notably 6 fun evenings, including the unmissable Aftercow party organised by the Young Farmers on the Thursday evening. This 34th edition enabled all visitors to get together, exchange ideas and enjoy the world of farming together.

Relive the 2025 SOMMET in photos: https://www.sommet-elevage.fr/fr/content/galerie-photos