Bienvenue : A warm welcome awaits all of Ireland at top French farming show – Le Sommet de l’Élevage

Calling all farmers on the island of Ireland … park up your tractor, pick up your passport, and head for one of the highlights of the international agricultural scene, where a very warm French welcome awaits at the trade fair the whole industry is talking about.

SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE 2026, the international showcase for tomorrow’s livestock farming, 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 Clermont-Ferrand, France.

With close on 1,800 exhibitors and 120,000 visitors expected from more than 100 countries and 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).

A breed apart

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. Sheepdog displays and heavy horse work will also be on the bill.

What makes this year special

For 35 years, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE – or livestock summit in English – 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.

From business networking to innovation, conferences and exclusive visits, all bound together with warm French hospitality, this is the expo that’s calling your name.

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.

· Changes to Exhibition Hall 4 (milk cattle). A new location and a new, standalone show ring will further enhance visitor experience and the quality of all the dairy cattle judging.

· Farm and agri tours: Enjoy the countryside while you see what our Gallic cousins are doing and what makes their industry thrive.

· The international livestock evening is back! 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.

Practical help, guidance and innovation

The summit aims to offer 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.

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.

Comptoir des Eleveurs – speaking your language

The SOMMET breeders’ forum is open for business 365 days per year.

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, and supporting aspiring farmers in their projects.

The best in the world

For this 35th edition, 330 international exhibitors from 35 countries and 6,000 international visitors from over 100 countries are expected at the worldwide livestock show. 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!).

Find out more and book your space here.