French livestock farmers face water and fodder shortages due to drought

Livestock farmers in France are facing significant challenges due to exceptional drought conditions, particularly regarding water access and fodder supplies. In the Manche department, which hosts over 700,000 cattle, at least 30 farms have reported that their wells or boreholes have run dry, making it difficult to water animals. Local authorities and the Chamber of Agriculture are working with the state to find alternative solutions and manage requests for water pumping derogations.

To avoid selling off breeding herds and losing capital, some farmers are implementing strategic management techniques. In Tarn-et-Garonne, producers are focusing on maintaining high safety stocks of forage—some aiming for 210 days of supply—and utilizing coproducts or urea-treated cereals to stretch available resources. The goal for many is to prioritize forage security over herd expansion to mitigate the financial risks of recurring dry spells.