This year, the 2026 International Agricultural Show is opening in exceptional health circumstances. Due to the outbreak of lumpy skin disease, no cows are participating in the event. This is a strong and necessary decision, which has disrupted the organization of the competitions, particularly the International Agricultural Education Trophy (TIEA).

For the students involved, the challenge has been completely rethought. No more entering the ring with their animals, no more live demonstrations. Participation is via a video shot on the farm, which is screened and evaluated by the jury during the show.
This is a major change... one that resonates with the theme of the 2026 edition: the resilience of cattle farming systems.

At UniLaSalle Beauvais, six students are taking up this challenge with determination: Clément MILOT, Louis FOURNIER, Erine SIMOENS, Pauline BENARD, and Eloi FEVRE, all members of the Vach'Expo association.

A 2026 edition marked by adaptation

For several months, the team has been rigorously preparing for the TIEA. Every Thursday afternoon, they head to the farm. Working with the cows, learning how to handle them, rehearsing the skit, reflecting on the assigned theme.

Then comes the announcement: due to nodular dermatosis, no cattle will be present at the 2026 Show.

The format is changing. The skit must be filmed in real conditions, without editing, as if it were being performed in the ring. The video is then sent to the jury and screened during the Show.

The requirements remain the same.

“It's the culmination of six months of work,” explains Pauline. “Even if we're not in the ring with the cow, everything we've learned is still there.”

So the team continues to train, adjust, and rehearse. Because behind the physical absence of the animal in Paris, there is still the same human investment.

Understanding resilience... by experiencing it

The 2026 theme focuses on resilient cattle farming systems. At first, the word raises questions. It is necessary to understand its definition, technical implications, and climatic, economic, and health issues.

But very quickly, students realize that they are experiencing this resilience themselves.

Adapting their work to the new format. Rethinking the presentation. Staying motivated despite the uncertainty. Continuing to work with the cow, even if she won't be making the trip to the show.

On the farm, each session becomes a laboratory for observation and adaptation.

“You're always learning,” says Clément. "Even putting on a halter from one Thursday to the next is never exactly the same. You have to adapt to the animal. "

Observing reactions, adjusting behavior, analyzing mistakes: the relationship with the animal becomes an exercise in precision and constant questioning.

A comprehensive project that goes far beyond animal husbandry

TIEA is not just about working with cows. It's also about managing a project from start to finish. Seeking funding, contacting companies, following up, drawing up a budget, preparing communication materials, organizing a video shoot, assigning roles.

For many, it's their first real immersion in the professional world.

“The first time you pick up the phone to look for sponsors, you're stressed,” says Erine. “But then you learn. And it will serve us well throughout our lives.”

Students develop skills in time management, collective organization, communication, and public speaking. They learn to honor commitments, work as a team, and represent their school with professionalism.

The Vach’Expo spirit: passing on knowledge and team spirit

At the heart of this adventure is also the spirit of the Vach’Expo association. The older members pass on their experience, offer advice, and provide reassurance. The younger members take over, take ownership of the project, and build their own momentum.

The training sessions are demanding, but they bring everyone together.

“There isn't a single Thursday when we don't have a laugh,” smiles Louis. “We work hard, but there's a real sense of cohesion.”

During this week's 2026 International Agricultural Show, the UniLaSalle Beauvais team is experiencing a special edition, with no cattle in the ring, in an unprecedented health context.

But the most important thing is elsewhere: in the ability to adapt, to maintain commitment, to transform a constraint into a formative experience.

Resilience is no longer just a competition theme.

It is becoming a lived reality.