A young farmer survives 2026's drought

Aurélie Lefebvre, a young farmer in Mayenne, has endured the severe drought and heatwaves of summer 2026 better than many of her peers. She attributes her resilience to a healthy cash flow, sufficient forage stocks, and climate insurance, which helped her manage the challenges of the season.

Challenges for new farmers in harsh weather

Lefebvre highlights how a series of climatic hazards can quickly disrupt the economic balance of a newly established farm. Investments in setting up the farm and repaying loans leave little room for financial shocks like the difficult summer of 2026. She notes that the region, known for its wet climate, was unprepared for such extreme conditions.

Heat impact on dairy production

To combat the heat, Lefebvre ventilated her barns, opened doors with barriers, and removed translucent panels to create air currents. However, she warns that most barns in the region remain closed, and this approach may no longer be viable as climate change accelerates. The heat also affected her dairy production, reducing milk output by 8 kg per cow.

Forage and crop challenges

Lefebvre managed to harvest her hay under good conditions, but she is particularly concerned about silage maize, whose yield dropped to 3 t/ha instead of the usual 9 to 10 t/ha. With limited grass available, the silage will be used up more quickly. She has expanded her maize cultivation area this year to compensate for the lower yields.

Water supply and future plans

The farm has a well for water supply, which remained functional at the end of summer, unlike many others. Lefebvre is optimistic about continuing this management approach. She also considers switching from rape to maize next year and exploring southern French crop varieties suitable for dairy cows.

Climate insurance and financial risks

As vice-president of Young Farmers in her department, Lefebvre advocates for solidarity among farmers to help those most affected by the drought. She also points out that young farmers are often not adequately insured against climate risks. Many start with a negative cash flow and face financial uncertainty, highlighting the need for better climate risk management and insurance.