Every year, they were the true stars of the Salon de l’Agriculture. Massive, elegant, sometimes a bit temperamental, but always admired. The cows attracted crowds, selfies, and amazed gazes. But in 2026, the aisles of the Concours Général Agricole will sound strangely empty: no cattle will be presented in competition. It’s a remarkable decision, almost unthinkable for such a deeply rooted tradition.
A health threat behind the decision
The reason for this historic absence? contagious nodular dermatitis. This viral disease, which affects only cattle, has recently appeared in France, causing great concern within the agricultural sector. Highly contagious, it leads to fever, lesions, and...
skin lesions and significant economic losses for breeders.See this post on Instagram
In light of this risk, the organizers of the Salon, in collaboration with health authorities and industry professionals, have decided: no cattle at the General Agricultural Competition in 2026. This precautionary measure is deemed essential to prevent any spread during an event that brings together thousands of people each year.o;animals and hundreds of thousands of visitors.
A first since 1964
Since its modern creation in 1964, the Salon de l’Agriculture has never experienced an edition without competing cows. The Concours Général Agricole, a true showcase of French expertise in animal selection, has always relied on the presence of cattle, the cornerstone of French farming.
The 2026 edition thus makes its mark in the history of the Salon, not through a festive novelty, but through a symbolic absence. For many regulars, this decision feels like the temporary end of an unchanging, almost sacred ritual at the heart of Porte de Versailles.
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Absent cows... but not totally invisible
That said, there's no way we're completely removing cattle breeds from the Salon. A symbolic presence is currently being explored: educational spaces, visual presentations, or immersive experiences could help maintain visibility for farmers and their animals, without any health risks.
Even though the cows won’t be strutting their stuff at this year’s Concours Général Agricole, their importance in the French agricultural landscape remains strong. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be special, marked by this unprecedented absence, but also by the necessary adaptations to meet today’s health challenges.