Drought impacts Charolais cattle farming

After an autumn marked by exceptional drought, breeders in Charolais are facing challenges as the lack of autumn grass extends the feeding period up to eight months on certain farms. This unusual situation has led to significant difficulties in managing livestock feed, affecting both the timing and availability of forage.

Forage deficit raises costs

According to simulations by the Institut de l'élevage and the Inosys networks, the forage deficit could lead to an additional cost between 300 and 400 € per UGB. Charolais was particularly affected by the summer, with heatwave durations never before reached. This has created a severe shortage of grass, making it difficult for breeders to maintain their usual feeding schedules.

Soil drought hinders recovery

"The level of soil drought still prevents the recovery of vegetation today," explains Christèle Pineau, an agro-economist at the Institut de l'élevage, during a conference at the 2026 Livestock Summit. "By September 20, the pastures had only provided half of what they usually give. By that date, 88% of the annual growth should have already occurred." This indicates that the impact of the drought is still being felt, with little sign of improvement in vegetation recovery.

Extended feeding period

At the beginning of October, the prospect of more than six months of consecutive feeding emerges for the breeders. "The hope of benefiting from an autumn growth is becoming increasingly thin," agrees Claude Vincent, an advisor to the Chamber of Agriculture of the Indre, and a member of the Inosys team in Charolais. Unprecedented: on some farms, the feeding period could stretch from June 2026 to March 2027. This extended period places a heavy burden on breeders, requiring them to manage feed resources for a much longer time than usual.

Adaptation strategies and costs

Behind the lack of grass, the prospect of a costly bill is emerging. To measure the consequences, the Institut de l'élevage and Inosys have examined several adaptation strategies. An additional cost of 300 € per UGB for breeders and fatteners. On a typical 80-head breeders and fattening farm in the area, "the forage balance simulation shows a winter deficit of 73 tMS." This deficit has forced breeders to consider various options to manage their feed needs and costs.

Options for managing feed deficits

Several options are available to breeders to manage the feed deficit. The breeder can buy all the missing volumes. In this case, the cost generated by the drought approaches 310 €/UGB. The consequences on the forecasted income are heavy. From 121,000 € of EBE in 2025, the farm would pass to 73,800 €. A second option consists of "reassigning forage intended for dairy cows and switching the calves to dry rations," details Claude Vincent. The adjustment amounts to 319 € per UGB, with a forecasted EBE for 2026 of 72,500 €.

Economic impact on specialized breeders

For specialized breeders, the cost of the drought appears even more important. On a typical farm in the Charolais basin with 110 calvings, the winter forage deficit is estimated at 94 tMS. For these breeders, the maneuvering margins are limited. To get through the crisis, most choose to buy forage, combined with an early weaning of calves. In this case, the additional cost approaches 400 € per large bovine unit. "With this scenario, the EBE of the breeders decreases by half compared to 2025. It is considerable," regrets Claude Vincent.

Challenges in forage availability

The simulations give a first measure of the economic shock awaiting the sector. However, these prospects clash with the reality of the availability of raw materials. "The generalized drought in Europe means that there is little forage available in France as elsewhere. By-products are also very in demand..." notes Christèle Pineau. In short, the question is not only to buy forage, but to find it. This scarcity of forage adds an additional layer of difficulty for breeders trying to manage their feed requirements.

Long-term financial risks

If production, and especially fattening, remains profitable, breeders must deal with a new level of load. Meat production requires immobilizing money on a long cycle. "Decisions will be made based on cash flows and financing possibilities," adds the economist. Otherwise, the resumption of bovine decapitalization is to be feared. Due to lack of forage or liquidity, some breeders could be forced to reduce their herds, leading to significant financial losses and long-term challenges for the sector.