Sommet de l’Élevage 2026 – Clermont-Ferrand, France

What to expect in 2026

Sommet de l’Élevage 2026 will bring together livestock farmers, breeders, agricultural professionals, machinery manufacturers, animal-health specialists, genetics companies, researchers, advisers, buyers and agricultural organisations at the Grande Halle d’Auvergne near Clermont-Ferrand. The exhibition is dedicated to livestock and agriculture, with a particular emphasis on cattle, sheep and equine production, livestock genetics, agricultural machinery, animal health, farm equipment, sustainable production and practical innovations for modern farms. The organiser describes the event as one of Europe’s largest gatherings for livestock and agricultural professionals, with an international audience and a strong business focus.

The scale of the exhibition makes it suitable for both specialist and general agricultural visitors. The organiser’s published figures indicate around 240,000 square metres of exhibition space, 100,000 square metres of stand space, 2,000 elite animals, 1,800 exhibitors and around 120,000 visitors. More than 160 conferences are also part of the programme, covering subjects such as agricultural developments, farm management, animal health, environment and genetics.

Animal competitions are one of the defining features of the show. Cattle, sheep, goats and horses are represented through breed presentations, competitions and professional livestock activities. The programme also combines these animal-focused attractions with machinery displays, technical conferences, innovation awards, business meetings and services for international visitors.

The innovation programme will also be a major part of the exhibition. The Sommets d’Or competition highlights solutions designed for livestock farming and agriculture, including machinery, livestock equipment, farm supplies, services and animal-welfare technologies. The innovation programme is intended to showcase practical developments that address everyday requirements on farms.

Event dates

Sommet de l’Élevage 2026 will take place from October 6–9, 2026, at the Grande Halle d’Auvergne in the Clermont-Ferrand area of France. The official public opening hours are 8:30 am to 7:00 pm from Tuesday through Thursday, with the final day closing at 5:30 pm.

The official exhibition address is Grande Halle d’Auvergne, 3 boulevard Danielle Mitterrand, 63800 Cournon-d’Auvergne, France. The organiser also lists its administrative contact address in Aubière.

The event is an annual professional livestock and agriculture exhibition, making the 2026 edition part of its continuing yearly programme.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

The Grande Halle d’Auvergne provides a large-scale exhibition environment suitable for livestock competitions, agricultural machinery, professional stands, conferences and specialist demonstrations. Its location in Cournon-d’Auvergne, immediately outside Clermont-Ferrand, provides access to the wider Auvergne agricultural region while remaining connected to the city.

The exhibition site accommodates both indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor halls are used for exhibitor stands, livestock rings, conferences and specialist displays, while outdoor areas provide space for agricultural machinery and other large-scale equipment. The size of the grounds allows Sommet de l’Élevage to combine a conventional trade exhibition with live livestock and machinery activities.

The venue is located close to the A75 motorway, which provides an important road connection for visitors travelling from other parts of France. The official access information identifies motorway exits 2 and 3 as the main road approaches to the exhibition centre.

For visitors arriving from overseas, Clermont-Ferrand provides a convenient base, while Lyon can also be considered for international air connections. The organiser provides dedicated international visitor services, including transport assistance, multilingual reception and accommodation support.

Full event programme

The Sommet de l’Élevage programme combines livestock competitions, animal presentations, conferences, innovation activities, business meetings and agricultural demonstrations. The programme is designed to allow professional visitors to move between commercial exhibition areas and educational or practical activities.

Major programme categories include:

• Beef cattle competitions and breed presentations
• Dairy cattle presentations
• Sheep competitions and presentations
• Horse and equine activities
• Livestock auctions
• Agricultural conferences
• Farm-management discussions
• Animal-health sessions
• Environmental and sustainability discussions
• Genetics and breeding sessions
• Machinery and equipment presentations
• Innovation awards
• International B2B meetings
• Farm and agro-industrial tours
• Professional networking activities

The official programme lists extensive cattle, sheep and equine activities, alongside other animations and professional sessions. The programme can be filtered according to animal type and event category, allowing visitors to build a personalised schedule.

The conference programme addresses practical issues affecting agricultural businesses, including farm management, animal health, environmental subjects, genetics, agricultural policy and new technologies. The organiser indicates more than 160 conferences and a wide range of professional discussions across the exhibition.

Featured companies & exhibitors

Sommet de l’Élevage attracts manufacturers and suppliers from across the agricultural industry. Exhibitor categories cover agricultural machinery, livestock equipment, animal nutrition, veterinary and animal-health products, genetics, farm buildings, digital agriculture, renewable energy, milking equipment, handling systems and professional services.

The exhibition includes both international manufacturers and specialist French companies. The organiser’s international visitor information identifies approximately 1,800 exhibitors representing numerous countries, while the wider event brings together companies serving livestock farms and agricultural businesses of different sizes.

Visitors can expect exhibitors representing areas such as:

• Tractors and agricultural machinery
• Livestock housing and farm buildings
• Feeding and watering equipment
• Milking and dairy technologies
• Animal identification systems
• Genetics and breeding services
• Animal nutrition
• Veterinary and health products
• Farm-management technology
• Agricultural software
• Handling and transport equipment
• Renewable-energy solutions
• Environmental technologies
• Agricultural services and finance

The official exhibitor directory should be used to check individual company participation and stand locations. Exhibitor registration allows companies to specify their business sectors, brands and products displayed, while the organiser’s platform provides information for visitors planning meetings with suppliers.

Agriculture & environmental sectors

The event has a strong focus on livestock agriculture, particularly cattle, sheep and equine production. Beef and dairy genetics are especially important, with the exhibition presenting numerous breeds and providing opportunities for breeders to compare genetics, production systems and animal-management approaches.

Other agricultural areas include machinery, crop-related equipment, farm buildings, feed, animal health, agricultural services and digital systems. The broad range allows visitors to investigate the relationship between livestock management and the wider agricultural operation.

Environmental subjects are integrated into the programme through discussions about sustainable livestock production, renewable energy, farm efficiency, resource management and changing production systems. The organiser’s mission specifically refers to sustainable livestock and the promotion of French cattle, sheep and equine production.

Energy is also represented through agricultural machinery discussions and specialist activities. The programme includes discussions about future energy options for agricultural equipment, while the international Farm Tours programme can include visits to biogas facilities and other agricultural or agro-industrial sites.

Products, technologies & innovations

Innovation is a major component of Sommet de l’Élevage. The Sommets d’Or competition identifies new products and services intended to improve agricultural performance, working conditions, animal welfare and farm sustainability.

The competition covers several practical categories:

• Livestock equipment: Tools and infrastructure designed to improve working conditions and animal comfort.
• Livestock supplies: Nutrition, hygiene, animal health and genetics products used in everyday farm operations.
• Machinery: Agricultural machinery, automation and onboard systems designed to improve farm performance, safety and sustainability.
• Livestock services: Services supporting farm management, technical activities and training.
• Animal welfare: Equipment and technologies supporting animal comfort, health, observation and behaviour.

The innovation programme is particularly useful for visitors looking for new technologies because it provides a concentrated selection of products that have been assessed through the show’s innovation competition. The organiser states that the programme received nearly sixty submissions and recognised nine innovative solutions in the latest competition.

Digitalisation, automation, connected equipment and decision-support technologies are increasingly visible across the agricultural exhibition. These systems can help farmers monitor livestock, manage machinery, improve feeding processes and organise farm operations.

Demonstrations & workshops

Live activities are central to Sommet de l’Élevage because the event is not limited to static product displays. Animal competitions and breed presentations provide practical demonstrations of livestock genetics and breeding standards, while machinery areas allow visitors to examine agricultural equipment directly.

The livestock programme includes numerous breed presentations and competitions covering beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and horses. These activities allow breeders and visitors to observe animals while also exchanging information about genetics, breeding and production characteristics.

Farm and agro-industrial visits add another practical dimension for international participants. The organiser offers guided Farm Tours covering farms and agricultural facilities, with technicians and interpreters available to help visitors understand production systems and technologies.

Conference sessions also function as technical workshops for professional visitors. Discussions can address animal health, farm management, environmental challenges, genetics, machinery, energy and the future of livestock production.

The combination of live livestock, machinery, expert presentations and farm visits gives professional visitors several ways to evaluate technologies and production practices rather than relying only on product brochures or static displays.

Ticket types & registration

The standard visitor admission price is $15.96 for a single entry, based on the official admission price converted from euros at approximately $1.14 per euro. Group admission is approximately $7.98 per person for groups of at least 15 people.

The official admission structure also includes:

• Standard single entry: approximately $15.96
• Group entry for 15 or more people: approximately $7.98 per person
• Children under 14: Free
• International visitors: Free with valid identification
• Visitors from French overseas territories: Free with valid identification
• Visitors with disabilities: Free with the required disability card
• Eligible accompanying person: Free under the organiser’s accessibility arrangements

The organiser states that tickets are single-use rather than nominative. Visitors can purchase tickets online through the official ticketing service or at ticket booths at the exhibition entrances.

There is no special multi-day ticket. Visitors wishing to attend on multiple days need a separate valid ticket for each day.

Professional & trade visitor access

Sommet de l’Élevage is primarily a professional agricultural exhibition. Its audience includes livestock farmers, breeders, agricultural businesses, advisers, technicians, researchers, machinery buyers, animal-health professionals, genetics specialists and representatives of agricultural organisations.

International professionals receive dedicated support. The International Club provides multilingual reception, interpreters, meeting facilities, internet access, food services and a prayer room. International visitors can also take part in B2B meetings and guided Farm Tours.

The organiser reports around 6,000 international visitors from more than 100 countries within its international programme. The international visitor service is designed to connect overseas professionals with French livestock expertise and agricultural suppliers.

For business visitors, the exhibition provides opportunities to compare suppliers, arrange meetings, investigate new machinery and learn about livestock production systems. The professional nature of the show also makes it suitable for agricultural organisations and companies seeking partnerships or market contacts.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

The Grande Halle d’Auvergne provides the infrastructure required for a large livestock exhibition, with indoor halls, livestock rings and extensive outdoor areas. Different halls and zones are used for animal competitions, exhibitor stands, conferences and agricultural equipment.

The official programme identifies areas such as:

• Zénith: Major livestock competitions and presentations
• Hall 3: Beef cattle breed presentations and related activities
• Exhibition halls: Agricultural companies, equipment and specialist services
• Outdoor areas: Machinery and agricultural equipment
• Conference spaces: Technical and professional sessions

The final visitor route should be planned using the official programme and MySommet application. The app provides the event programme, exhibitor information and digital visitor ticket, helping attendees locate activities and companies across the site.

Because the exhibition covers a very large area, visitors interested in particular livestock breeds, machinery manufacturers or conference subjects should identify their target areas before arriving.

Public transport & parking

The Grande Halle d’Auvergne is located close to the A75 motorway, with exits 2 and 3 providing road access to the exhibition centre. The official access guidance recommends allowing additional travel time because traffic can become heavy around the exhibition.

Visitors arriving from Clermont-Ferrand can use free event shuttle services or local public transport. Bus line C serves the Chaux-Blanche stop, while cycle paths also provide access to the exhibition centre.

Free visitor parking is available around the exhibition site. Visitors are directed to designated car parks on arrival, although walking distances can become longer during busy periods. Motorhomes can also use visitor parking provided they are self-sufficient in electricity and sanitary facilities.

Free shuttle services also connect the exhibition with key access points. The organiser promotes shuttle connections from the railway station, airport and Clermont-Ferrand city centre, along with additional connections from destinations including Vichy, Royat and Châtel-Guyon.

Accommodation areas

Clermont-Ferrand is the principal accommodation base for visitors attending Sommet de l’Élevage. The city provides hotels, serviced accommodation and other lodging options, together with restaurants and transport connections.

Cournon-d’Auvergne and the surrounding communities can be useful for visitors who prefer to stay closer to the exhibition venue. These areas reduce the distance to the Grande Halle d’Auvergne while still providing access to the wider Clermont-Ferrand metropolitan area.

The official international visitor service provides accommodation assistance through specialist partners, including Revolugo, AGRILYS and the local tourism office. This can be useful for international visitors who need assistance organising accommodation alongside transport and exhibition access.

Visitors travelling specifically for business meetings may prefer accommodation close to the exhibition centre, while visitors combining the exhibition with sightseeing may choose central Clermont-Ferrand.

Accessibility

Sommet de l’Élevage provides dedicated arrangements for visitors with disabilities. The official ticket information states that admission is free for visitors with disabilities who present the required disability card, and the accompanying person is also covered by the organiser’s free-access arrangements.

The large exhibition site includes multiple halls and outdoor areas, so visitors with mobility requirements should consider their preferred route before arrival. Shuttle services and visitor parking provide additional access options for reaching the exhibition centre.

International visitors can also access multilingual assistance and guided services. The International Club provides interpreters and dedicated facilities, which can help visitors who require additional support while navigating the exhibition.

Visitors requiring specific assistance should contact the organiser before travelling so that available services can be confirmed and any necessary arrangements made.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition demonstrated the scale and international reach of Sommet de l’Élevage. The organiser reported approximately 1,750 exhibitors and 120,000 professional visitors, with 2,000 elite animals, 70 breeds and more than 150 conferences represented across the exhibition.

Livestock competitions and presentations remained among the main attractions, bringing together cattle, sheep and equine breeders. The event also continued to combine livestock activities with machinery, agricultural equipment, professional services and technical conferences.

International participation was another important feature. The organiser reported visitors from 96 countries and a substantial international exhibitor presence, confirming the show’s role as a meeting place for agricultural professionals from different markets.

Innovation also played an important role. The Sommets d’Or programme highlighted technologies and products aimed at practical agricultural challenges, including livestock equipment, machinery, supplies, services and animal welfare. The awards provide a dedicated platform for companies introducing new solutions to livestock professionals.

The combination of livestock competitions, technical conferences, machinery exhibitions, business meetings and international services continued to make the show a broad professional gathering rather than a conventional product-only trade fair.

Official tickets & registration

Visitors should use the official Sommet de l’Élevage website for ticket purchases, registration information, programme updates, exhibitor details and practical travel guidance. Standard tickets can be purchased online or at ticket booths at the exhibition entrances.

International visitors have a separate registration route offering free admission with identification, together with access to international visitor services. These include multilingual reception, the International Business Club, B2B meetings, guided exhibition tours and Farm Tours.

The official MySommet application provides the programme, exhibitor information and digital ticket functions, making it useful for visitors planning their route through the exhibition.

For general enquiries, the organiser can be contacted at +33 4 73 28 95 10 or info@sommet-elevage.fr. The official website remains the best source for final visitor instructions, ticketing, exhibitor information and programme updates.