What happens if you take all the cows away?

Through interviews with farmers, ranchers, scientists and other experts in agriculture and environmental science, World Without Cows delves into the complex and often-surprising ways cows impact our world. This compelling exploration is led by two award-winning journalists who now work in agriculture. The filmmakers traveled to more than 40 global locations to examine the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate — and to answer the question, “Are we better off in a world without cows?”

From the heartland of the United States to Kenya, India, Brazil and beyond, this journey of discovery invites viewers to consider the true value of these often-overlooked animals and the potential consequences of their absence. World Without Cows will make you think twice about the role cows play in our lives.

the filmmakers

World Without Cows was written and directed by two award-winning journalists, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth, who spent nearly three years visiting scientists, academics, farmers and others to get an up-close look at the social, financial and environmental impact of cows — and to explore the possible repercussions of a world without them.

Michelle spent more than two decades in journalism, half of that time working abroad as a military correspondent. Twice, she was recognized as the Solo Video Journalist of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association. Many organizations, including West Point Military Academy, the Poynter Institute and the Kentucky News Photographers Association, have sought her storytelling expertise.

Brandon is a two-time Emmy Award-winning television news photojournalist and international video producer. He spent a decade working for CBS and NBC affiliates in Kentucky and Utah and has received several regional awards from the American Advertising Federation, the Associated Press, and National Press Photographers Association for excellence in visual storytelling.

Michelle michael

Brandon Whitworth

Filming Locations

U.S.: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, Wyoming

Around the World: Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Patagonia, Singapore, United Kingdom

the filmmakers

World Without Cows was written and directed by two award-winning journalists, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth, who spent nearly three years visiting scientists, academics, farmers and others to get an up-close look at the social, financial, nutritional and environmental impact of cows — and to explore the possible repercussions of a world without them.

Michelle michael

@farmfilmmaker

Brandon Whitworth

@theagstoryteller

Filming locations

U.S.: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, Wyoming

Around the World: Brazil, Chile, Germany, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Singapore and the United Kingdom

the filmmakers

“World Without Cows” was written and directed by two award-winning journalists, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth, who spent nearly three years visiting scientists, academics, farmers and others to get an up-close look at the social, financial and environmental impact of cows — and to explore the possible repercussions of a world without them.

Michelle michael

Brandon Whitworth

Filming Locations

U.S.: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, Wyoming

Around the World: Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Patagonia, Singapore, United Kingdom

Hear from the experts

World Without Cows starts an important conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and in the world around us. It features interviews with farmers, ranchers, scientists, academics, advocates and other experts, including: