Festival of Agriculture and Livestock of Panazol

The Festival of Agriculture and Livestock: a showcase for the Limousin agricultural world

The history of the Festival of Agriculture and Livestock began in 2012, when Gilles Deconchat and Olivier Robert, two rural enthusiasts, noticed the absence of a major departmental agricultural event in Haute-Vienne. Inspired by the Brive Livestock Festival, they decided to create a unifying event capable of bringing together breeders, professionals, and the general public around the department's agricultural richness. After an initial attempt in Feytiat, the festival quickly settled in Panazol, a peri-urban town ideally located at the gates of Limoges, offering a spacious and accessible setting around the town hall, Achille Zavatta square, the new hall, and the Beausserie park.

Prestigious competitions at the heart of the event

The highlight of the festival is the departmental competition for the Limousin cattle breed, a true institution that brings together over 200 animals presented by the best breeders in the department. The Limousin breed, renowned worldwide for the exceptional quality of its meat, is celebrated here in all its splendor: cows, bulls, and calves parade before a jury of experts in a setting that is both solemn and convivial. Since 2022, the festival has also hosted the national competition for the Cul Noir du Limousin pig, a heritage breed saved from extinction that embodies the gastronomic identity of the region. Presentations of sheep, draft horses, and dairy cows complete this vibrant panorama of livestock farming in Haute-Vienne.

A family program full of discoveries

Beyond the competitions, the Festival of Agriculture and Livestock aims to be a celebration open to all. The mini-farm allows children to discover farm animals up close, while demonstrations of herding dogs by the ADUCT 87 association fascinate young and old alike. Pedal tractor races are organized for the youngest, accompanied by a treasure hunt on agricultural professions. The "nature preservation" area hosts the Hunting and Fishing Federations of Haute-Vienne, and a stand dedicated to dairy products is run by CNIEL. Agricultural training institutions hold a careers fair to inspire young visitors.

The Limousin terroir in the spotlight

The local producers' market, introduced in 2022, brings together about twenty exhibitors offering the best of the Haute-Vienne terroir: Limousin meat, Cul Noir charcuterie, farm cheeses, honey, Limousin apples, and local craft beers. On Saturday evening, a dinner dance prepared by the restaurant L'Abattoir showcases the excellent meats of Haute-Vienne. An exhibition of vintage tractors stands alongside the latest generation of agricultural machinery, illustrating the evolution and modernization of Limousin agriculture. Supported by the Chamber of Agriculture, the town of Panazol, and Limoges Métropole, the festival now attracts over 10,000 visitors and has established itself as the largest agricultural event in the department.