Tomorrow, what types of livestock farmers for mixed farms combining pigs and herbivores? An analysis based on surveys conducted in the Massif Central

Abstract

In many regions of France, pig production is a minor activity and largely relies on farms dispersed across areas dominated by herbivore systems. Its continuity therefore depends strongly on mixed herbivore–pig farming systems. At a time when farmer renewal is a key concern for the coming years, the future of mixed herbivore-pig systems is crucial for the pig sector outside specialized areas. For this reason, a study was conducted in the Massif Central in 2024–2025. It focuses on recently established farmers and agricultural secondary-school students, examining their career paths, projects, and motivations regarding pig farming and mixed systems. Surveys carried out among 15 farmers, 280 students and 14 teachers reveal several current trends. The ways in which mixed farming systems are established vary, even within family farm contexts: the pig unit may be maintained, reconfigured, or newly created at the time of establishment. Mixed farming is often reconsidered when changes occur in farm labor availability. As for students, their profiles and career aspirations related to pig production are even heterogeneous. Although bovine production is generally prioritized, the inclusion of a pig unit is often not ruled out. The types of farming systems they envisage are wide-ranging, even among students from farming backgrounds, and frequently differ from those currently found in the region. In light of this type of diversified livestock farming systems, we conclude that adapting training and support methods to this diversity of professional profiles is one of the keys to encouraging new farmers in livestock farming areas.