Heatwave: French livestock farms hard hit this summer

The early heatwave that hit France as early as June left lasting traces in French livestock farms. Excess animal mortality, decreased milk production, more fragile eggs: farmers are discovering the extent of the damage as new heatwave episodes followed one another throughout the summer.

The country's western coast was particularly exposed, an area that nonetheless concentrates a large share of national production: it accounts for around 75 % of pig production, 80 % of broiler chickens and 20 % of France's dairy cows. With no time to adapt ventilation and watering, many farmers were taken by surprise by the early onset of the heat.

Quantified losses in several sectors

The mortality figures released this summer are unprecedented for this time of year. In Normandy and in Pays de la Loire, mortality in poultry farming jumped by nearly 1 000 % compared with a normal period, that of pigs by 200 %, and that of cattle by 45 %. In total, several hundred thousand poultry are said to have died during the June heat peaks, with some estimates putting the number at nearly 3 million animals affected nationwide.

On the dairy side, milk production falls by an average of 5 % from the first days of a heatwave, an effect that sometimes persists after temperatures return to milder levels. During the most severe episodes of the summer, some farmers observed occasional drops reaching 30 %. At the same time, egg-laying poultry farms report smaller and more fragile eggs, leading to a downgrading of part of the production.

Crops also under pressure

Crops were not spared: the high temperatures in July affected grain filling, particularly for maize, with yields locally well below usual averages. The most affected areas combine water stress and successive heatwaves, worsening the cash-flow situation of farms already weakened by rising costs.

In response to this situation, several regions have announced accelerated support measures for the most affected farmers, while professional organizations are calling for a review of farming practices to better anticipate future heat episodes.

This news fits into a broader context of transformation of the sector, between issues of ecology and environment, adaptation of agriculture, livestock, hunting and fishing sectors, and direct impact on daily life and society in rural areas.

Frequently asked questions

Which French regions were most affected by the 2026 heatwave?

Normandy and Pays de la Loire are among the regions most affected in terms of excess animal mortality, while the western coast, which concentrates a large share of French pig and poultry production, was particularly exposed.

What is the impact on milk production?

Heatwaves cause an immediate drop of around 5 % in milk production, an effect that can persist after the heat episode, with occasional declines observed up to 30 % during the most severe peaks.

Did crops also suffer from the heat?

Yes, notably maize, whose grain filling was disrupted by the high temperatures in July, resulting in yields locally well below usual averages.

Sources

• France 24
• Welfarm
• Ouest-France

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy