By: Isaac Amoah

The major event in the farming calendar that combines excellence in livestock genetics, innovation in agriculture, public debates and for its renowned international focus, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE is back again for its 35th edition, from 6 to 9 October 2026 in ClermontFerrand, France.

With close on 1,800 exhibitors and 120,000 visitors expected from more than 100 countriesand 2,000 animals representing 70 different breeds, the SOMMET is set to reinforce its status as one of the world’s biggest trade shows dedicated to agriculture and more importantly, livestock production.

And for this new edition, the SOMMET is also the national highlight of the International year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, as designated by the UN/FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization at the UN)

SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE
THE INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS

For 35 years, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE has continued to reflect the changes taking place in the livestock and agricultural sectors. Every year, the show attracts more visitors and exhibitors from both France and abroad. This exponential growth can be attributed to the quality of the animals on display, the diversity of the exhibitors’ products and services, and the SOMMET’s ability to bring together, at one single event, the entire agricultural ecosystem: livestock farmers, businesses, researchers, cooperatives, animal breeding organisations, technical institutes, public decision-makers and future generations of farmers.
Today, the SOMMET embodies a powerful forum where not just farmers and breeders, but all elements of the livestock industry meet, conduct business, share ideas and develop tomorrow’s livestock farming models.

THE SOMMET IS STRUCTURED AROUND FOUR KEY PILLARS
1 An effective business event
2 Innovation
3 A high-profile political and trade union hub
4 Its reputation for hospitality

SO WHAT’S NEW IN 2026?
• A livestock health hub. For the first time, we’ll be bringing together interest parties and experts in the field of animal health in one single venue. An Agora will address the sector’s key challenges and feature discussion groups and conferences.
• Growing the show’s exposure to grain-eating livestock. The pig and poultry sectors are playing an increasingly significant role at the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE with the addition of more exhibitors and a new dedicated Agora.
• Expanding the farm machinery exhibition space. The site is being expanded by 10,000 m², as such the SOMMET becomes France’s largest agricultural machinery show, including a new Agora discussing the challenges facing the sector.
• Field demonstrations. This year, machinery exhibitors will enjoy a dedicated area where they can showcase their latest products and conduct field demonstrations of agricultural machinery.

The toolbox for tomorrow’s livestock farmers
Faced with the challenges posed by climate change, the economy and society, livestock farmers are now seeking practical solutions to adapt their production systems.
The SOMMET meets this need by bringing together all the expertise required to drive transformation within the sector: businesses, research institutes, equipment manufacturers, livestock genetics organisations, start-ups and other industry players.
“The Comptoir des Eleveurs, is close on 100,000
followers across all platforms, and over 50 million
cumulative views in 2025. This makes us the
number one agricultural media outlet on social
media, thanks to what we offer, which is positive,
easy-to-read and meaningful content. The sort of
information to encourage both current and future
farmers.”

SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE Deputy Managing Director
Above and beyond the four days of the show, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE continues to pursue its role of bringing farmers and associated trades together 24/7 via its platform “The Comptoir des Éleveurs” (Breeders’ Forum).Intended primarily for 18 to 35-year-olds, this digital platform offers video content tailored to social media trends, with the aim of promoting careers in livestock farming, giving a voice to the younger generations and highlighting innovations within the sector. The Comptoir des Éleveurs allows us to perpetuate the spirit of the SOMMET throughout the year, by informing, inspiring, forging links etc

A HUB FOR BUSINESS AND IDEAS

With over 160 conferences covering key agricultural issues (from the CAP, energy transition and decarbonisation, food sovereignty, generational renewal, pastoralism, etc.) as well as our annual innovation competition (The Sommets d’Or), the SOMMET is bringing technical innovation into the real world. More than just a trade fair, it is a platform for action to shape the future of livestock farming in France, Europe and the greater world.

THE WORLD LIVESTOCK SHOW
For this 35th edition, 330 international exhibitors from 35 countries and 6,000 international visitors from over 100 countries are expected. During the 4 days of the show, the entire global livestock industry can be found at the SOMMET.
A vibrant hub for business transactions, the show attracts numerous key decision-makers and offers a VIP welcome to foreign delegations through the International Lounge (free entry to SOMMET, interpreters, guided visits to the show, catering, farm visits, and more!).
” The international dimension is now one of the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE’s defining features. Over the years, the show has established itself as a global hub for the livestock sector, bringing together trade delegations from across Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East and Asia to Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of France. This global recognition is based on several key strengths that include the quality of French genetics on show, 2,000 elite animals in judging, the breadth of innovations on display, and the show’s ability to foster direct discussions between breeders, companies, researchers and buyers from around the world.”

Farm tours
One of a kind – The SOMMET’s unique farm and agro-industrial site visits
The excellence of French livestock farming can also be experienced in situ in the form of a unique programme of 35 Farm Tours, visits to livestock farms and agro-industrial sites for a first-hand insight into French expertise. It is an opportunity to create real business opportunities between French and foreign livestock farmers.
“In 2025, over 1,000 people enjoyed the Farm Tours programme, leaving very few spare places” as Emily Aubert, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE’s International Manager explains.

THE INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK EVENING
is back for 2026.Having been dropped from the 2025 programme, the International Livestock Evening, organised with the RACES DE FRANCE federation, is back. During the evening, all the French cattle, sheep and horse breeds present at the show will be showcased in a grand parade in the ring at the Zénith d’Auvergne. A cocktail/buffet reception for foreign delegations will follow the presentation

THE FEATURED BREEDS IN 2026
This year’s SOMMET will feature two major cattle breeds, the Limousin suckler cow breed, and the Jersey milk cow breed. Two outstanding models recognised for their performance, their adaptability to different regions and the quality of their production.
And this year with rangelands in the spotlight, the Bizet sheep breed will be doing a star turn and the Alpine goat breed will be in the Hall 5 spotlight

FOCUS ON THE LIMOUSIN BEEF BREED
In 2026, it will be the turn of the Limousin breed to occupy centre stage at the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE. In terms of cow numbers, the Limousin is France’s #2 beef cattle breed, with a herd of 1,050,000 cows found on over 30,000 farms, of which 1,400 are members of the breed’s Herdbook. She epitomises the ultimate modern cow as she offers the best balance between exceptional meat-producing qualities and hardy maternal traits, enabling her to adapt to all climates. She’s the flagship breed of French beef cattle farming, and found in over 80 countries throughout the world, and still the leading French breed for the export of beef cattle genetics.The National Championships – the ultimate in excellence
The national championships will line up 400 elite adult animals from 150 selected farms across France. But with over 750 entries, the high standard of competition means that only one in two animals will be allowed into the show ring in Clermont-Ferrand.
The highlight of the commercial and export programme is the prestigious « Cream of the crop » auction sale of breeding stock organised by Interlim Genetic Service in the Zenith d’Auvergne, where international buyers have, in past editions of the show, accounted for over 80% of purchases.
“What an opportunity for us to hold our national
competition once again within the framework of the
SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE, as it’s an invaluable platform
for global exposure, thanks to the show’s international reputation and the number of foreign visitors who
come to the show. The national championships at the SOMMET, for a cattle farmer it’s a little like playing at
the Stade de France stadium! It is also a tremendous
boost for our breeding programmes and international
trade.” Olivier Lasternas, Limousin Herdbook President
“Holding the Limousin National Championships during the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE boosts our international
visitor numbers and attracts delegations that don’t
usually come. It’s a very international breed that acts as a wonderful attraction for our event.”

PASTORALISM
The highlight of the International Year
Because, every year, it brings together the key players in the national and international livestock industry, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE naturally stands out as the unmissable French event of this International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Over four days, the exhibition will serve as a key platform for pastoral issues, with a programme combining conferences, exhibitions, international discussions, technical innovations and educational activities aimed at both the public and professionals.
“The SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE fully embodies the future of our agriculture. Here, in the heart of the Massif Central region, grassland farming and pastoralism demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile food sovereignty, regional vitality and the ecological transition. To make the SOMMET the highlight of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoral farmers in France is a significant choice. Among the highlights, Common Agricultural Policy reform will be discussed in the run-up to the national negotiations, with the clear aim of defending and securing full recognition for grassland livestock farming in the Massif Central. Meanwhile, at the same time and just a few kilometres from the SOMMET, is the
“PATURE” (PASTURE) event that will also showcase our pastoral traditions in the heart of Clermont-Ferrand by creating a vast, vibrant meadow that will inspire people of all age groups. It’s a powerful symbol! Supporting pastoralism is a political choice: a choice for vibrant rural communities, sustainable agriculture, and
an agricultural sector in Europe that lives up to the standards of its farmers.”

THIS YEAR’s HIGHLIGHTS
• 2 international conferences:

Pastoral farming around the world: different perspectives | Tuesday 6 October, morning
How are pastoral farms responding to the challenges
of climate change, generational renewal and societal
change? | Tuesday 6 October, afternoon
• And some 20 other conferences centred on pastoralism
• 300 m2 of exhibition space dedicated to pastoral farming, with among others, the presence of stands and representatives from 5 iconic countries renowned for their pastoral traditions, to include, Mongolia, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Sudan and Spain
• 2 exclusive field trips to cattle and sheep summer pastures in the Massif Central uplands
• 1 stand-alone event for the public, called “PATURE” (PASTURE) at Place de Jaude, Clermont-Ferrand, from the 5th to the 8th of

THE WORLD LIVESTOCK SHOW
For this 35th edition, 330 international exhibitors from 35 countries and 6,000 international visitors from over 100 countries are expected. During the 4 days of the show, the entire global livestock industry can be found at the SOMMET.
A vibrant hub for business transactions, the show attracts numerous key decision-makers and offers a VIP welcome to foreign delegations through the International Lounge (free entry to SOMMET, interpreters, guided visits to the show, catering, farm
visits, and more!).
” The international dimension is now one of the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE’s defining features. Over the years, the show has established itself as a global hub for the livestock sector, bringing together trade delegations from across Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East and Asia to Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of France.

This global recognition is based on several key strengths that include the quality of French genetics on show, 2,000 elite animals in judging, the breadth of innovations on display, and the show’s ability to foster direct discussions between breeders, companies, researchers and buyers
from around the world.”

Farm tours
One of a kind – The SOMMET’s unique farm and
agro-industrial site visits
The excellence of French livestock farming can also be experienced in situ in the form of a unique programme of
35 Farm Tours, visits to livestock farms and agro-industrial sites for a first-hand insight into French expertise. It is an opportunity to create real business opportunities between French and foreign livestock farmers.
“In 2025, over 1,000 people enjoyed the Farm Tours programme, leaving very few spare places” as Emily Aubert, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE’s International Manager explains.

THE INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK EVENING is back for 2026
Having been dropped from the 2025 programme, the
International Livestock Evening, organised with the
RACES DE FRANCE federation, is back. During the
evening, all the French cattle, sheep and horse breeds present at the show will be showcased in a grand
parade in the ring at the Zénith d’Auvergne. A cocktail/buffet reception for foreign delegations will follow the presentation,Source:Benoit Delaloy,
SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE Managing Director