With 1,814 exhibitors, 139,000 visitors and 2,000 animals, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SUMMIT) ends on a high note, and what a high note! “This 35th edition has set new records across the board – in terms of visitor and exhibitor numbers, net stand space, new products & conferences. This represents a new milestone, a glass ceiling has been smashed with all the key indicators at an all-time high” as a delighted Benoit Delaloy, Show Director, tells us.
And for Jacques Chazalet, Show President, the SOMMET’s reputation is well established. “Judging by the number of visitors, the atmosphere in the aisles, the business deals negotiated, not forgetting the visit of the Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, plus that of several candidates in next year’s presidential election, our event has truly established itself as the No.1 farm show and, more specifically, the driving force behind sustainable livestock farming.”
And in this International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the SOMMET made also its presence felt in Clermont-Ferrand’s city centre, where the unique PÂTURE event enabled 25,000 city dwellers to learn about the various grassland farming systems and pastoralism in the Massif Central region thanks to a recreated giant meadow.
An unmissable event in the farming calendar
“After a traumatic 2025, with no cattle due to the outbreak in France of Lumpy Skin Disease, it was a real pleasure to see the full complement of livestock back in the exhibition halls. And despite the impact of the severe drought felt across all farms this summer and the current economic climate, visitors turned out in large numbers, which really gave the show a truly fantastic atmosphere”, adds Jacques Chazalet. With 139,000 visitors over the 4 days of the show, the SOMMET has never, since the event was founded in 1992, witnessed so many people browsing its aisles. The feedback is unequivocal, whether that be from the breeders associations, the exhibitors, or the conference organisers, this edition has been an incontestable success, both in terms of the trade contacts made, and the festive side of the show.
“Our business is all about connecting people. Visitors were able to meet the 1,814 exhibitors and appreciate their services and products and learn about new techniques and innovations via the 200 programmed conferences”, as Victor Berthon, the SOMMET’s Assistant Director, highlights.
In a sector where the opportunities to meet up are few and far between, the SOMMET cements its role as a catalyst not only for business but also as a fun event. “It’s not just a question of ROI (Return on Investment), but equally ROE (Return on Experience), as over the 4 days on a 24/24 cadence, the event provides farmers and associated trade members the opportunity to meet, to enjoy the livestock presentations, the conferences and not overlooking the festive elements, which are an essential part of the SOMMET’s DNA”, so notes Benoit Delaloy.
Turning to the international angle, the attraction of our event requires no further mention. With close on 6,500 international visitors, travelling to Clermont-Ferrand from over 100 countries, the concentrated wealth of solutions and ideas for shaping the future of livestock farming continues to attract interest well beyond the shores of France.
3 new FORUMS
This year, 3 new Forums punctuated the 4 days of the show:
•Farm machinery FORUM
•Animal health FORUM
•Farm transfer and future farmer installation FORUM
PÂTURE
Massif Central grassland farming gets to meet the public
With close on 25,000 visitors who came to see the Massif Central’s grasslands recreated in the Clermont-Ferrand city centre, PÂTURE was nothing short of a phenomenal success! From the Aubrac to the Livradois-Forez mountains, the entirety of the Massif Central region spoke with one voice throughout the four days of the event. “The feedback has been so positive! During this turbulent period, we managed to create instants literally frozen in time, such as the sheep flock roaming freely, and the ‘Fashion Cow’ livestock parade”, as Bruno Dufayet, President of the Association for the Promotion of Agriculture in the Massif Central (APRAMAC), tells us.
Combining the opportunity to discover and learn about grassland farming and pastoralism, the event attracted city dwellers of all ages. “When talking to people on the street, you quickly understand there is a clear lack of communication. What really works was the way in reaching out to the public, in the heart of the city, speaking frankly in a very simple and genuine fashion, our message was clearly understood. The various stands were constantly busy, and the dialogue was very meaningful”.
Note the 2027 SOMMET dates from Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 October
The 36th edition will host the AUBRAC (beef cattle) and HOLSTEIN (milk cattle) breeds National Championships
Related posts
