One of Europe's leading livestock events, the Sommet leading de L'elevage held in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on October 1 to 3, has broken all records, organisers say.

Jacques Chazalet, newly-appointed president of Sommet de L'elevage, this year's edition of the trade event had 85,500 trade and professional visitors, including close to 4,000 from abroad. This has been the trade show's biggest attendance ever in its 23-year history.

All 1,302 exhibitors and exhibiting breeders in attendance were satisfied with the contacts made. French Minister for Agriculture Stéphane Le Foll attended the event, along with a host of other big-name political leaders.

Roger Blanc, founder and former Sommet president, said this year's edition was "another vintage year," adding that the "overarching community spirit (was) as vibrant as ever".

One of the highlights of the three-day trade fair was the national Aubrac breed. A total of 120 breeders took part in the competition, which showcased the stand-out traits of the Aubrac breed in front of an audience of French and international professionals.

Henry Peyrac, president of the Aubrac breeders association, said the success of the event will echo across the livestock industry.

"Our member-breeders are proud to have been able to showcase their expertise, present animals of high genetic value, and prove you can get animals that perform competitively even when you are working in some of the toughest zones for livestock farming," he said.

"The Sommet tells us we are right to stick with our quality-first policy and raises bright prospects for the future. Over the course of the 3-day show, on top of meeting masses of French breeders looking to invest in Aubracs, we were able to make strategic contacts with several countries".

Another highlight of the trade show was the finals of the Ovinpiades young shepherds world championships, a friendly competition showcasing sheep farming as a sport. Other headline events included the national Vendéen breed championships and the inter-regional Charollais, Ile-de-France and Texel breed competitions that drew big crowds.

This month's Sommet also marked the first year that two goat breeds-Saanen and Alpine-were on the show.

Close to 4,000 international visitors from 80 countries attended this year's event, representing an 11% jump from last year's attendance.

A total of 27 conferences and seminars, dealing in various topics like new technologies, genetics, international trade, export strategies, environmental issues, among other things, were held during the three-day event.

Next year, Sommet will be held October 7 to 9. The 2015 edition will host the national Limousin breed competition.