Approximately 1,700 exhibitors, 2,000 animals and 120,000 visitors from France, as well as across the world, are expected to attend the Sommet de l’Élevage agricultural show which kicks off in Clermont-Ferrand, France this week.
The annual event runs from Tuesday, October 1 until Friday, October 4, and 2024 marks the 33rd edition of the show.
At the event this year, the Salers beef breed will host its National Championships with 400 animals in judging and members of the Irish Salers Cattle Society, as well as interested Irish agri-enthusiasts will be travelling out to the event.
Agriland will also be in attendance this week, bringing updates and coverage from the farm visits and interesting displays that are to be seen at the event.
The Simmental dairy breed European Championships will also take place, with with 56 cows from three different countries to be judged at the event.
A total of 22 cattle breeds, 26 sheep breeds and 16 horse breeds will be on display at the event this week.
Each year, the Sommet de l’Élevage hosts a particular country as a guest of honour and, following on from Mongolia in 2022 and Georgia in 2023, Kazakhstan is this year’s guest country of honour at the show.
Click here to see previous Agriland coverage from the event.
Commenting on the event, the show’s general manager, Fabrice Berthon said:
“This 2024 edition is looking very good. At a time when agriculture is facing major challenges, our event throws light on the many issues facing livestock farmers, such as replacing the current generation of farmers, young people setting up in business, farmers’ quality of life, improving incomes, climate change, animal welfare, etc.
“They come to us to learn more about the challenges they ultimately face. The Sommet de l’Élevage gives them solutions, ideas and perspectives that they may not find elsewhere.
“All in the festive, friendly atmosphere for which our event is world renowned. Because that too is all part of the Sommet four days of sharing, chatting and laughing, it’s some valuable down time for everyone.”