The French dairy sector delivered strong production results in 2025, with higher milk yields, improved herd health and greater farm efficiency. However, the end of the year also showed that rising production can quickly translate into downward pressure on milk prices. The latest reports from the French Livestock Institute (IDELE), prepared in cooperation with Eliance, indicate that dairy cattle producers experienced one of their best years in the past decade, while the goat dairy sector began a gradual recovery after a difficult start to the year.
Dairy cows produce more milk and remain productive for longer
Average milk production reached 9,156 kilograms per lactation, an increase of 163 kilograms compared with 2024. This result is particularly significant because it was achieved despite the continued decline in the number of dairy farms and the reduction in the number of cows participating in official milk recording. It confirms that the remaining farms are becoming increasingly efficient and are making better use of the genetic potential of their herds.
Animal health also continued to improve. The average somatic cell count fell from 234,400 to 218,000 cells per millilitre, indicating healthier udders and fewer cases of mastitis. France has therefore returned to the level recorded in 2021, considered the best year of the past decade for this indicator.
The productive lifespan of dairy cows also increased. Average longevity reached 71.1 months, compared with 69.9 months five years earlier. The average number of lactations per cow rose from 2.87 to 3.02, meaning cows remain productive for longer and generate greater economic value for farmers.
Higher production creates new market challenges
Despite excellent technical performance, the economic outlook became more challenging toward the end of the year. After a period marked by limited milk supplies, increasing production in France and across Europe resulted in higher availability of milk, putting downward pressure on prices.
According to IDELE, milk collection increased both in France and across the European Union. Analysts therefore expect 2026 to be more uncertain. Production performance is expected to remain strong, but milk prices are unlikely to reach the favourable levels seen in 2025.
Goat dairy farming gradually recovers
The goat dairy sector experienced a far more uneven year. Average production reached 1,009 kilograms of milk per goat per lactation, which is 18 kilograms less than in 2024.
The main reason was the poor quality of forage inherited from the difficult 2024 season. Better spring harvests gradually improved feed quality, allowing milk production to recover during the second half of the year, although it still remained below 2023 levels.
The report confirms that dairy goats are more sensitive than dairy cows to climate conditions and forage quality, making their production more vulnerable to weather-related fluctuations.
The average lactation length also declined from 337 to 332 days, ending several years of continuous growth.
Fewer young animals, larger farms
The structure of the sector continues to evolve. The share of first-lactation goats fell slightly to 36.1%, while farms with more than 250 lactations now account for 21.3% of all specialised goat dairy farms, confirming the ongoing concentration of production.
Lower operating costs, together with a slight increase in goat milk prices, helped limit the deterioration of farm margins despite weaker production.
The sector remains vulnerable
Despite signs of recovery, French goat farming continues to face significant challenges. Drought reduced forage reserves, forcing some farmers to bring their animals indoors earlier than planned.
The sector also struggles with generational renewal and attracting new farmers. Market conditions remain mixed: retail sales of goat cheese continue to perform relatively well, while demand from the food service sector faces stronger competition from other dairy products.
Outlook for 2026
IDELE expects the dairy cattle sector to enter 2026 with abundant milk supplies. The average milk price reached a record €515 per 1,000 litres in 2025, but maintaining this level is expected to be difficult. French milk collection increased by 2.2%, reaching 24.2 million tonnes, adding further pressure to market prices.
For the goat dairy sector, the outlook will largely depend on weather conditions, forage quality and milk prices. Although production recovered during the second half of 2025, the sector remains highly vulnerable to climate risks and market fluctuations.
Source: IDELE (French Livestock Institute), in cooperation with Eliance.
