While the last national competition as part of the Summit held in 2018, the Salers is making a big comeback this year. Note that this breed is present in 30 countries and on five continents. In France, there are nearly 210,000 animals, while the bulk of the livestock is in the cradle of the breed: Cantal, with more than 100,000 cows. Robust and rustic, its horns are a major asset in countries facing a strong presence of wolves, such as Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia.
Although this breed will be highlighted at the show, this event will also give pride of place to other animals. This will be the case in particular for the Simmental, since 56 competing cattle from three countries will compete in the ring at the Zénith d’Auvergne during its European competition.
Let us recall that since its creation in 1992, the Sommet de l’Élevage has been a showcase for French genetics. There will be, of course, cattle, but not only: the equine, sheep and goat sectors will also be in the spotlight. In short, this show promises to welcome the cream of the crop in breeding.
A record broken at the exhibitor level
An international business crossroads, this event also represents more than 5,000 foreign visitors from 90 countries. Participants came to discover the breeds present as well as the suppliers of agricultural equipment, food and animal health, not to mention the new products offered in the sector. And they are not likely to be bored… “We are fully booked in terms of exhibitors. This is therefore a new record broken with more than 1,650 exhibitors and nearly 97,000 m² of stands sold (compared to 92,000 m² in 2023)”, indicates Fabrice Berthon, general commissioner of the show.
As in previous editions, a VIP welcome with a dedicated entertainment program will be reserved for these foreign visitors (international club, farm visits, international evening, etc.).
Central Asia’s agricultural giant in the spotlight
For this 2024 edition, Kazakhstan will be in the spotlight. Known for its great tradition of nomadic livestock breeding, this country has 32 million ha of arable land, more than France and Germany combined! The leading producer of sheep meat in Central Asia, it is also the world’s 6th largest producer of wheat.
Agriculture is among the priorities of the Kazakh government to diversify its economy (essentially dependent on oil and gas) and achieve food self-sufficiency, currently at 60%.
“Kazakhstan is the agricultural giant of Central Asia. Its development potential is enormous. Its participation in the Livestock Summit is a no-brainer and will offer our exhibitors, I am sure, numerous business opportunities and win-win partnerships,” says Benoît Delaloy, the event’s international manager.
Digital technology at the service of sustainability
This event will also give pride of place to the digital era in which the agricultural world is increasingly integrated. Moreover, for many years, the show has supported innovation in all its forms. Visitors will therefore be able to go to “The Innovation Barn”, where stands are dedicated to the livestock farming of tomorrow. It should also be noted that 15 start-ups will be present at this edition.
Thematic conferences on key issues (protein autonomy, new technologies, carbon neutrality, etc.) will also be organized there. Not to mention the Sommets d’Or, which reward the best innovations in the field each year. And for them too, 2024 is synonymous with a record year since 97 applications have been submitted.
In practice…
The show will be held from Monday, October 1st to Friday, October 4th. It opens its doors every day at 8:30 a.m., while closing is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the exception of Friday (5:30 p.m.).
Admission is free for international visitors.
It is located in the commune of Cournon-d’Auvergne, 15 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand train station (shuttles are available to the exhibition center).
It is also possible to get there by plane by landing at Clermont-Ferrand-d’Auvergne International Airport.
The full program and information are available on the website www.sommet-elevage.fr
