Anyone with any interest in cattle and sheep breeding would be well advised to head to Paris this weekend for France's two leading shows, SIA and SIMA.
SIMA is undoubtedly the larger of the two, but this is largely a machinery show, with some livestock tacked on. However, it does have one of the finest show's of Holsteins you're ever likely to see. SIA, meanwhile is the main livestock event and has been a happy hunting ground for UK breeders in the past, particularly those exporting into Europe.
For my sins I'll be covering both shows for Farmers Weekly, making it a fairly hectic weekend. Particularly as my trip to SIA on Sunday will include a buying mission, once again I'm on the hunt for French breeding to boost the Southdown flock at home.
Lambs from my 2005 import have done well and now I need another bloodline to keep up the momentum. And once again British livestock will be on display at SIA, with Hampshire Down, Meatlinc and North of England Mules present on the EBLEX stand which will also be promoting the finest English beef and lamb.
Making Paris not so much a lovers' paradise, but more of a farm-fest. The only downside is there's no Six Nations rugby this weekend, so a trip to the Stade de France is out of the question!