Livestock farming in France has been hit hard by recent heatwaves and droughts, leading to significant losses across various sectors. In regions like Brittany and Pays de Loire, where infrastructure is less prepared for extreme heat compared to the south, millions of poultry have died. Industry groups Anvol and CNPO reported that more than three million broiler chickens and nearly one million laying hens died this summer, accounting for about 2 percent of the country’s total livestock population. While this number is lower than during the 2003 heatwave, it highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the sector to extreme weather. Pigs in the Greater West region have also suffered, with an excess mortality rate of 0.8 percent among sows, which could lead to a decline in piglet numbers in the coming months, according to the Inaporc industry group. The effects of the heat and drought have extended beyond poultry. Cattle and sheep farming have seen increased slaughter rates, with sheep slaughter rising by 1.7 percent year-on-year and large cattle slaughter increasing by 3.3 percent in August, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Farmers are preparing for further culling due to concerns over insufficient grass supply in the autumn and rising forage prices, as noted by the Agreste statistical service. These challenges have also affected fish, shellfish, and crustacean farming, where significant losses have been reported due to the impact of high temperatures on aquatic environments. Milk production has also taken a hit, with drops of up to 30 percent during the hottest weeks. Milk collection decreased by 1.1 percent in May and 1.3 percent in June, though production stabilized in July, which is typically lower in summer. The rise in slaughter rates suggests that the market may struggle to absorb the increased supply of meat, with beef and lamb consumption already declining in France. This could lead to meat shortages during key consumption periods, such as Easter, if too many sheep are sent to slaughter. Egg production has also been affected, with reduced laying and smaller egg sizes reported. The sector expects a 2 percent increase in production in 2026, following a 0.8 percent increase in 2025, due to new poultry houses and an extension of the lifespan of hens. However, the typical lifespan of hens in intensive farming systems—over a year—limits the ability to replace lost hens due to health concerns before the end of a production cycle. An underlying crisis in livestock farming is the feed shortage, worsened by a lack of rain that has hindered grass growth. The importation of hay raises questions about availability in neighboring countries and speculation on prices. The harvest of French cereals, particularly corn used as forage, is expected to be at its lowest due to the heat, with soybeans and beets also affected. The National Syndicate of the Animal Nutrition Industry (Snia) has warned that specifications requiring feed of French origin should be adjusted due to the shortage and cost of French raw materials. This situation is further complicated by the consequences of the war in the Middle East on certain ingredients, such as vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and trace elements that are no longer mainly produced in France, according to the Snia.