Brothers in life as well as in business, Nicolas Verdier and Samuel Verdier are the breeders behind the mascot cow of the next Paris International Agricultural Show, taking place from 27 February to 7 March 2027 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Based in the Puy-de-Dôme region, they represent a new generation of committed farmers dedicated to preserving and promoting the Ferrandaise, an emblematic cattle breed of their native Auvergne.
Published on Sep 22,2026 at 7:53 AM | Updated on Sep 22,2026 at 10:08 AM

Two Brothers, One Passion: The Story of the Breeders behind

the 2027 mascot cow

Nicolas and Samuel Verdier are the breeders behind the cow chosen as the ambassador of the next Paris International Agricultural Show, which will take place from 27 February to 7 March 2027 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Hailing from the Puy-de-Dôme region, they represent a new generation of committed farmers dedicated to preserving and promoting the Ferrandaise, an iconic cattle breed deeply rooted in their local heritage.
Nicolas Verdier portrait

A proud family legacy

We are immensely proud to represent the work of the breeders and organisations that helped preserve the Ferrandaise breed. We can’t wait to introduce it to visitors!,” says Nicolas Verdier.

A sentiment shared by their father, Bernard Verdier:
The Ferrandaise breed has been part of our family history since 1990. Seeing my sons represent it today in front of thousands of visitors is an immense source of satisfaction. They carry with them far more than a farm: they carry the history of a breed and of all those who helped save it.

Complementary and committed

Between the two brothers, responsibilities on the farm are shared naturally:
 
Samuel oversees livestock management, while Nicolas focuses on enhancing the value of the animals and developing direct sales. 

 

This partnership enables them to free up time for activities such as responding to media enquiries, without compromising the day-to-day running of the farm.

Committed to promoting their products through short supply chains, the two breeders embody modern mid-mountain agriculture at its very best.

Nicolas and Samuel Verdier photo

Recognised for its outstanding flavour quality

If it was their father who first introduced the Ferrandaise breed to the farm in 1990, it was the two brothers who made the decision to expand the herd. Perfectly suited to the Auvergne region, this breed continues to grow in reputation, particularly among butchers and restaurateurs seeking exceptional flavour and authenticity. Renowned for its marbling and tenderness, Ferrandaise beef owes its distinctive quality to the rich flora of the natural grasslands found across the volcanoes of Auvergne and the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park.

 

As for the ambassador cow herself, a little more patience will be required. Her identity will be revealed in November. Stay tuned!
Ferrandais cows in an open field