The scene had always remained unchanged: each year, France’s most stunning cows took center stage at the Farmers' Show, drawing thousands of curious visitors eager to admire these four-legged celebrities. Yet, in 2026, a wave of change is sweeping through Porte de Versailles: livestock will not be competing in the General Agricultural Competition. This marks the first time since the Show was established in its current form in 1964 that this has happened.
At the heart of this decision is the very real threat posed by contagious nodular dermatose, a viral disease affecting cattle that has recently appeared on French territory. However, the absence of cattle in competition doesn’t mean these breeds will disappear entirely. A symbolic presence of various cattle breeds is currently being considered. This measure aims to preserve visibility for the affected breeds while ensuring compliance with health regulations.
This outbreak has ultimately interrupted a long-standing tradition. The Prix Général Agricole, a showcase of French expertise in animal breeding, will not feature any cows this year. This is a historic moment: for the first time since the modern inception of the Agriculture Show, cattle will be absent from the competition. The 2026 edition will thus be remembered for this symbolic absence, which the industry deems unavoidable under the circumstances.
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