Quick Summary
- 1In a move without precedent in its six-decade history, the Paris Agricultural Show will not feature any cattle at the Porte de Versailles exhibition park in 2026.
- 2This decision, announced by the show's president, directly addresses the ongoing outbreak of nodular dermatosis affecting herds across the nation.The absence of bovines means the prestigious General Agricultural Competition will also cancel its cattle judging events.
- 3This marks a significant departure from tradition, prioritizing animal health and biosecurity over a long-standing exhibition staple.
- 4The move underscores the severity of the current veterinary crisis and its tangible impact on France's agricultural heritage and major public events.
A Historic Absence
The Porte de Versailles exhibition park is set for a profoundly different landscape in 2026. For the first time in its sixty-year history, the venue will stand empty of a key agricultural feature: live cattle. This unprecedented decision marks a significant break from tradition for one of France's most beloved annual events.
The change is not a matter of choice but of necessity. A widespread veterinary concern has forced organizers to take drastic measures to protect the nation's herds. The announcement signals a somber moment for the agricultural community, which faces a challenging period ahead.
Aucun bovin ne sera présent au Parc des expositions de la porte de Versailles, pour la première fois depuis soixante ans.
The Nodular Dermatosis Crisis
The driving force behind this historic cancellation is the nodular dermatosis outbreak. This highly contagious viral disease affects cattle, causing painful skin lesions, fever, and a significant drop in milk production. Its rapid spread has placed French livestock under strict veterinary surveillance.
Authorities are prioritizing containment to prevent further economic damage to the farming sector. The decision to remove all cattle from the exhibition is a direct biosecurity measure. It is designed to eliminate any risk of transmission between herds from different regions gathered for the event.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between public showcases of agriculture and the invisible threats posed by animal disease. Key impacts of the outbreak include:
- Widespread movement restrictions on French cattle
- Strict biosecurity protocols on farms
- Cancellation of all bovine competitions
- Significant economic pressure on dairy and beef sectors
"Aucun bovin ne sera présent au Parc des expositions de la porte de Versailles, pour la première fois depuis soixante ans."— President of the Salon de l'agriculture
Ripple Effects on Tradition
The absence of cattle reverberates beyond the main exhibition halls. The Concours général agricole, or General Agricultural Competition, is a cornerstone of the show, celebrating excellence in French farming. Without cattle, its entire bovine division is forced into hiatus.
For breeders, this competition is the pinnacle of their year—a chance to showcase prized animals and gain prestigious recognition. The cancellation is a blow to their professional pride and a missed opportunity for genetic exchange and industry networking. The show's president confirmed the unavoidable link between the exhibition and the competition's fate.
Par conséquent, il n’y aura pas d’épreuves bovines au Concours général agricole, a annoncé le président du Salon de l’agriculture.
This development disrupts a cycle of excellence that has defined French agriculture for generations, forcing a pause in a cherished cultural and economic ritual.
A Six-Decade Legacy
Since its inception, the Salon de l’agriculture has been a vibrant celebration of rural life, drawing millions of visitors to see, touch, and learn about the origins of their food. The presence of livestock, particularly the majestic cattle, has always been central to this immersive experience.
The show has served as a bridge between urban and rural France, a place where city dwellers connect with the land and its stewards. The iconic image of the exhibition hall, filled with the sounds and smells of a working farm, is deeply embedded in the national consciousness. To imagine this space without its bovine stars is to witness a temporary but profound alteration of a national institution.
This year's event will be a test of resilience, showcasing the adaptability of the agricultural sector in the face of adversity. The focus will likely shift to other aspects of farming, but the empty pens will serve as a constant reminder of the ongoing crisis.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 edition of the Paris Agricultural Show will be remembered as a year of adaptation. The decision to exclude cattle, while difficult, underscores a commitment to animal welfare and national biosecurity. It is a necessary sacrifice to ensure the long-term health of France's valuable livestock.
As the veterinary crisis evolves, the agricultural community will be watching closely. The hope is for a swift resolution that allows for the safe return of cattle to the Porte de Versailles in the future. Until then, the show will proceed, carrying the weight of this unprecedented absence and serving as a testament to the industry's strength in challenging times.
"Par conséquent, il n’y aura pas d’épreuves bovines au Concours général agricole, a annoncé le président du Salon de l’agriculture."— President of the Salon de l'agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions
The absence is due to the nodular dermatosis outbreak, a contagious viral disease affecting cattle. Organizers have cancelled the cattle exhibition as a biosecurity measure to prevent the spread of the disease among herds.
Yes, this is an unprecedented decision. The Paris Agricultural Show has not been without cattle in its entire 60-year history, making the 2026 edition a historic departure from tradition.
The General Agricultural Competition, a key part of the show, will not hold any of its cattle judging events (épreuves bovines). The competition is directly tied to the animals present at the exhibition.
The event takes place at the Parc des expositions de la porte de Versailles (Porte de Versailles exhibition park) in Paris, France.
