Discover the Paris International Agricultural Show Mascot Cow
The SIA 2027’s mascot cow will be a Ferrandaise !
Today, the Ferrandaise is back in the spotlight as it becomes the breed of honour at the 2027 International Agricultural Show. And yet, it very nearly disappeared! Long neglected in favour of more specialised breeds, this cattle breed, which originates from the Puy-de-Dôme in Auvergne and whose historical cradle lies in the Chaîne des Puys, the Dore Mountains and the Livradois and Forez massifs, owes its revival to the efforts of a handful of passionate breeders.
How can you recognize her ?
Ferrandaise offers a wide variety of colour combinations, blending white with red or black. Its coat features three main types of pattern: barré, characterised by stripes; brégnié, which combines red-spotted areas with white areas; and poudré, whose predominantly white coat is dotted with small red or black spots.
Of medium size, its build is well suited to the hilly and mountainous terrain of the Massif Central.
A breed that nearly became extinct
The Ferrandaise breed reached its peak between the two world wars, with nearly 80,000 cows recorded. From the 1960s onwards, the mechanisation and specialisation of agriculture led to the development of breeds more suited to dairy or beef production. The result: by the late 1970s, there were fewer than two hundred Ferrandaise cows !
Thanks to the joint efforts of a handful of breeders, the breed has been saved. In 2025, the Ferrandaise breed had a population of around 4,000 females spread across nearly 750 herds.
Meet Nicolas and Samuel Verdier, the breeders of the Show’s future ambassador cow, who embody a new generation of breeders committed to preserving this breed, which is emblematic of their region.
Ferrandaise in figures :
Milk or meat ? The Ferrandaise is a mixed breed
Unlike breeds specifically selected for dairy or beef production, the Ferrandaise has retained both these characteristics, demonstrating its versatility. Closely linked to the region’s cheese-making heritage, the Ferrandaise produces milk used in certain Auvergne cheese-making sectors, notably those producing Saint-Nectaire PDO, Fourme de Rochefort, Fourme d’Ambert, Fourme de Montbrison AOP and Bleu de Laqueuille. The Ferrandaise is also reared for its meat, which is prized for its flavour and marbling.
The Ferrandaise, the breed in the spotlight at the 2027 International Agricultural Show
The choice of the Ferrandaise as the breed to be in the spotlight at the 2027 International Agricultural Show is symbolic. Following the 2026 edition, which was notable for the absence of cattle, this year’s event will mark their grand return to the Show, scheduled to take place from 27 February to 7 March 2027 at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. Beyond its unique appearance, it embodies several key issues facing the French livestock sector: the preservation of local breeds, the passing on of traditional skills, genetic diversity and the promotion of local areas.
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Which cow is the official mascot of the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show?The cattle breed taking centre stage at the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show is the Ferrandaise, a breed originating from the Auvergne region of France. It embodies the richness of France’s agricultural heritage, the diversity of its cattle breeds and the dedication of breeders to preserving them. The official mascot cow for this edition will be unveiled soon!
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Who are the breeders of the 2027 mascot cow?
The breeders of the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show’s mascot cow are Nicolas and Samuel Verdier, two brothers from Puy-de-Dôme, in the Auvergne region of France.
Passionate about the Ferrandaise breed, they are dedicated to its preservation and promotion.
Their commitment helps introduce the wider public to a cattle breed that is an iconic part of the region’s agricultural heritage.
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Why was the Ferrandaise breed chosen to take centre stage at the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show?The Ferrandaise was chosen to highlight a French cattle breed that was once at risk of extinction. Thanks to the dedication of its breeders, it has gradually regained its place on farms. By taking centre stage at the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show, the breed will help raise visitors’ awareness of agricultural biodiversity, the importance of preserving local breeds and the expertise of livestock farmers.
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How can you recognise a Ferrandaise cow?The Ferrandaise is a cattle breed originating from the Auvergne region of France, recognisable by its distinctive coat combining white with red or black markings. It has several coat patterns, including barrée, bregniée and poudrée. Well adapted to the mountainous terrain and climate of the Auvergne region, the breed is valued for its hardiness and versatility.
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Why did the Ferrandaise breed nearly become extinct?The Ferrandaise experienced a significant decline during the 20th century, mainly due to the mechanisation of agriculture and the rise of cattle breeds specialised in milk or meat production. By the late 1970s, its population had fallen to fewer than 200 females. Thanks to the efforts of breeders and breed conservation organisations, the Ferrandaise population has gradually recovered.
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Is the Ferrandaise a dairy or beef cattle breed?The Ferrandaise is a dual-purpose cattle breed, raised for both milk and meat production. Its milk can be used to make traditional cheeses from the Auvergne region, such as Saint-Nectaire and Fourme d’Ambert. Its meat is also valued for its flavour. This dual-purpose nature is one of the breed’s historical characteristics.
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What is the role of the mascot cow at the Paris International Agricultural Show?The mascot cow is one of the key symbols of the Paris International Agricultural Show. Each year, she represents a cattle breed, highlighting its region of origin, distinctive characteristics and the breeders who contribute to its preservation. This tradition gives visitors the opportunity to discover the diversity of French livestock farming and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
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Where and when can visitors see the mascot cow at the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show?The mascot cow of the 2027 Paris International Agricultural Show will be present from 27 February to 7 March 2027, in Pavilion 1 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet her and discover the Ferrandaise breed, originating from the Auvergne region of France, which will take centre stage at this edition.