World Without Cows: The Battle for Balance follows three remarkable ranchers whose work challenges common perceptions about Brazilian agriculture. Maria Gorete Rios transformed barren, degraded land into a thriving 80-hectare farm while bringing back native springs and forest. Junior Cavalli honored his father’s legacy by increasing production five-fold on the same land through sustainable intensification. And Edson Silva runs one of Brazil’s largest cattle operations while keeping two-thirds of his 34,000 hectares as untouched forest.

Their stories reveal a more complex reality than we often see depicted. These producers illustrate how ranchers are working under some of the world’s strictest conservation laws and how modern ranching can actually help battle climate change through carbon sequestration and land restoration.

While the threat of deforestation is ever present, World Without Cows Brazil: The Battle for Balance explores an often-overlooked truth: well-managed pastures and grazing systems can be part of the solution.

As the world races to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, Brazil’s ranchers are asking for something both simple and revolutionary: a seat at the table. Their message is clear: Sustainability in Brazilian agriculture isn’t just a vision for the future, it’s already happening.

This companion mini-doc was produced by the filmmakers of World Without Cows, a feature-length documentary that examines the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in feeding the world and their impact on climate. This science-led discussion explores people’s profound dependence on cattle in many regions of the world, as well as the topics of nutrition security, alternative proteins, land usage, soil health and carbon sequestration — and more. Learn more about World Without Cows. Request a screening here.