This summer’s heatwaves have hit milk production hard. Dried-up pastures have forced farmers to use winter feed stocks, and many producers of protected cheeses can no longer follow their rules. Nicolas Cussac, a farmer in Cantal, said: “We usually have a few difficult weeks. But this year, we have had three extremely difficult months.”
With repeated heatwaves and drought, farmers brought cows down from pastures before July ended. Grass was scorched and water points dried up. For many, this summer resembles the great drought of 1976. Some started using fodder as early as July 10. All regions are affected, which is unusual.
Animals have also suffered. When temperatures exceed 30-35°C, cows produce less milk with less fat. One farmer said he usually makes 1 kilogram of cheese from 10 liters of milk. This summer, he needed nearly 2 liters more. Dairy herds have seen a 20 percent drop in volume since mid-July.
An official said there will still be cheese and enough of it. But it is unclear if higher fodder costs will raise supermarket prices. Price talks will not happen until early next year. The official is more worried about winter feed stocks.
Producers must adapt. The Roquefort PDO secretary said they cannot just wait for drought and ask for temporary changes. They need structural modifications to account for global warming. Meetings will start in September to find solutions. This could mean reducing livestock and accepting lower production. After this summer, many producers will have to face that question.
Reference
Le Monde, “Les producteurs de fromage s’inquiètent de l’avenir après un été caniculaire,” published August 28, 2026. https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2026/08/28/si-cela-se-repete-l-an-prochain-ce-sera-la-catastrophe-l-inquietude-des-producteurs-de-fromages-apres-un-ete-caniculaire_6758738_3234.html