PARIS – France's worst drought in recent years has forced farmers to tap into winter feed reserves months ahead of schedule, as scorching temperatures and record-low rainfall devastate pastures across the country.

 

The National Federation of Milk Producers (FNPL) reports that many farmers had already begun using their winter fodder stocks by late July, a full three months before the usual feeding season begins.

 

At Philippe Dufour's farm in Saint-Marn, east of Paris, pastures that typically grow grass up to half a meter tall now lie parched and yellow. "We haven't had any grass for over a month. It looks like a desert. I've never seen anything like this," Dufour said.

 

He has already consumed 30–40% of his winter hay reserves and worries that sourcing forage elsewhere will be impossible as the drought grips the entire country.

 

France has experienced five heatwaves this summer, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several regions and breaking multiple records across Western Europe. July 2026 ranks as the continent's second-driest July on record, behind only 2022.

 

Successive heatwaves have compounded already dry soil conditions. According to the government monitoring system VigiEau, nearly two-thirds of France's groundwater aquifers—the nation's primary freshwater source—were below normal levels in early August.

 

The drought is also affecting livestock health and reproduction. Calves are suffering from reduced maternal milk production and are expected to be weaker than usual.

 

In response, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced an emergency support package for the farming sector, which has been hit hard by heatwaves, drought, and wildfires. "The 2026 drought is exceptional and has impacted all regions," she said, stressing the need to prepare for similar conditions in the future to build greater resilience.