A DOCUMENTARY

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:

"Behind every Maasai man, there is a cow. It is a part of me. I cannot live without a cow. Everything in life connected for me to survive is because of a cow."

— Joel Saitore Gilisho,
Maasai Warrior. Kenya

Farmers, Ranchers & Food Producers

Gabe Brown

Victor Campanelli

Joel Saitore Gilisho

Francis Karanja Kamau

Andre Perrone

Kip Ole Polos

Shrirang Sarda

Amit Vyas

Allen Williams

"I think we could go and do a survey and many people would say, yes, cows are the worst thing in the world for climate."

— John Lynch, Climatologist,
Oxford, University

Scientists & Academics

Dr. Elizabeth "Betsey" Boughton

Dr. Mizeck Chagunda

Director, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health, the University of Edinburgh

Mizeck is a professor and quantitative animal geneticist who has pioneered research on quantifying greenhouse gases, developing innovative techniques for measuring methane emissions in ruminants, and defining phenotypes related to disease resistance, adaptation and resilience in dairy cattle.

Dr. Adrian Collins

Science Director, Rothamsted Research

Adrian is a professor at University of Southhampton and science director at Rothamsted Research, a world-leading, nonprofit research center that focuses on strategic agricultural science to the benefit of farmers and society worldwide. Rothamsted is home to the “vegan trial,” which aims to demonstrate that it is possible to produce crops for humans on land thought to be suitable only for grazing cows.

Ciniro Costa Jr.

Scientist and Agricultural Researcher, Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Brazil

Ciniro is a scientist focusing on climate change mitigation in the agriculture sector. His expertise includes climate change mitigation in the agriculture sector, including measurement, reporting and verification of emissions and mitigation and net zero actions, payments for ecosystems services and policy analyses.

Bruce Griffith

Dr. Vaughn Holder

Dr. John Lynch

Dr. Frank Mitloehner

Director, The CLEAR Center at University of California, Davis

Frank is a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. As director of the CLEAR Center, he works to bring clarity to the intersection of animal agriculture and the environment, helping the global community understand the environmental and human health impacts of livestock.

Dr. David Montgomery

Dr. Sara Place

Dr. Gregory Schwartz

Professor of Environmental Geography

Greg is a professor of environmental geography, a published author, and a leading voice in the plant-based movement. An advocate for regenerative agriculture, he specializes in ecology, sustainability, and the intersection of human health and performance. Greg explores and promotes sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. His family has owned and operated a cattle feedlot in Nebraska for five generations.

Gustavo Siquiera

Dr. Stephan van Vliet

Human Nutrition Scientist, Utah State University

Stephan is a nutrition scientist with metabolomics expertise in nutrition, dietetics and food science. His research is performed at the nexus of agricultural and human health. He routinely collaborates with farmers, ecologists and agricultural scientists to study critical linkages between agricultural production methods, the nutrient density of food and human health.

Dr. Nicole Welk-Joerger

"At every stage of history, farmers have been the anchor. They're the ones who most quickly adapt to innovation. They're the ones who nourish communities, who create societies. And so why would you bet against them now? Why would you think that all of a sudden, today, when the demands are different, that they can't respond to it?"

— Jay Waldvogel,
Dairy Farmers of America (retired)

Advocates & Specialists

Jack Bobo

John Butler

Nadir Godrej

Nithiya Laila

Food Anthropologist, Founder of SG Seedexchange, Singapore

Nithiya is passionate about exploring and preserving the food, culture and environment of the global south, especially the native edible plants and equatorial regions. She has more than a decade of experience in creating and hosting immersive and educational programs and projects that celebrate the diversity and sustainability of our planet’s culinary heritage.

Lynda McDonald

Justin Sherrard

Mary Soukup

Shirley Tarawali

Assistant Director General, International Livestock Research Institute — Nairobi, Kenya

Shirley is an assistant director general and secretary to the ILRI board of trustees. She previously served as director of ILRI’s people, livestock and the environment research team. She has a Ph.D. in plant science from the University of London and has conducted research in crop livestock and pastoral systems.

Jay Waldvogel

Senior Vice President, Strategy and International Development (retired), Dairy Farmers of America

Jay retired from Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), where he most recently served as senior vice president of strategy and international development. He serves on numerous industry boards and is actively involved in projects focused on dairy development in East Africa and creating carbon credits in developing markets.

"Cows could actually

save the world."

— Mizeck Chagunda, University of Hohenheim

frequently asked questions

What is the film’s goal?

Amid narrow views about cows and climate change, this feature-length documentary explores the true impact of cattle and the potential consequences of their removal. It aims to broaden the conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and the world around us. We aim to challenge the prevailing narrative and encourage viewers to examine the science.

What is World Without Cows about?

World Without Cows is an incredible journey around the world in search of the answer to one simple question: Are we better off in a world without cows? With unprecedented global access to those on the frontlines of agriculture and science, filmmakers Brandon Whitworth and Michelle Michael examined the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate. What they found was far from simple: When it comes to cows, it’s not black and white. World Without Cows invites viewers to take a scientific look at the real impact of cows on our world — and the potential consequences of their removal.

What themes are explored?

World Without Cows is a science-led discussion that examines the profound dependence on cattle in many regions of the world, the challenges of nourishing an ever-expanding global population, the essential value of animal protein, and the complex relationship between cattle and the environment, including their impact on biodiversity, soil health and carbon capture.

What locations are featured?

The filmmakers were tasked with exploring the impact of cattle on nutrition, economies, cultures and the environment. Pursuit of answers led them to more than 40 locations around the world — from the heartland of the United States to Kenya, India, Brazil and beyond – to talk to scientists, academics, farmers, ranchers and other experts.

Who is in World Without Cows?

World Without Cows features dozens of interviews with scientists, academics, farmers, ranchers and other experts from around the world. Check them out here: https://worldwithoutcows.com/about/

When and where can I watch this documentary?

We are currently showing World Without Cows at private screenings and film festivals. You can request a screening on our website.

Where can I learn more about the issues raised in World Without Cows?

The Explore page on worldwithoutcows.com dives deeper into some of the issues raised in the documentary and other hot topics related to agriculture’s role in climate change.

I want to get involved? What can I do?

Share this page with your social media networks, friends and family, and sign up for updates. We’ll let you know about opportunities to get involved and help us continue this conversation. Send questions to info@worldwithoutcows.com. You can also follow us on social media.

Documentary social media accounts:

Our filmmakers’ social accounts:

Michelle Michael

Brandon Whitworth

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A DOCUMENTARY

What happens if you take all the cows away?

the filmmakers

Michelle michael

Brandon Whitworth

Filming Locations

the filmmakers

Michelle michael

@farmfilmmaker

Brandon Whitworth

@theagstoryteller

Filming locations

the filmmakers

Michelle michael

Brandon Whitworth

Filming Locations

Hear from the experts

"Behind every Maasai man, there is a cow. It is a part of me. I cannot live without a cow. Everything in life connected for me to survive is because of a cow."

— Joel Saitore Gilisho,Maasai Warrior. Kenya

Farmers, Ranchers & Food Producers

Gabe Brown

Victor Campanelli

Joel Saitore Gilisho

Francis Karanja Kamau

Andre Perrone

Kip Ole Polos

Shrirang Sarda

Amit Vyas

Allen Williams

"I think we could go and do a survey and many people would say, yes, cows are the worst thing in the world for climate."

— John Lynch, Climatologist,Oxford, University

Scientists & Academics

Dr. Elizabeth "Betsey" Boughton

Dr. Mizeck Chagunda

Dr. Adrian Collins

Ciniro Costa Jr.

Bruce Griffith

Dr. Vaughn Holder

Dr. John Lynch

Dr. Frank Mitloehner

Dr. David Montgomery

Dr. Sara Place

Dr. Gregory Schwartz

Gustavo Siquiera

Dr. Stephan van Vliet

Dr. Nicole Welk-Joerger

— Jay Waldvogel,Dairy Farmers of America (retired)

Advocates & Specialists

Jack Bobo

John Butler

Nadir Godrej

Nithiya Laila

Lynda McDonald

Justin Sherrard

Mary Soukup

Shirley Tarawali

Jay Waldvogel

"Cows could actually

save the world."

— Mizeck Chagunda, University of Hohenheim

frequently asked questions

World Without Cows features dozens of interviews with scientists, academics, farmers, ranchers and other experts from around the world. Check them out here: https://worldwithoutcows.com/about/

We are currently showing World Without Cows at private screenings and film festivals. You can request a screening on our website.

The Explore page on worldwithoutcows.com dives deeper into some of the issues raised in the documentary and other hot topics related to agriculture’s role in climate change.

Share this page with your social media networks, friends and family, and sign up for updates. We’ll let you know about opportunities to get involved and help us continue this conversation. Send questions to info@worldwithoutcows.com. You can also follow us on social media.

GET UPDATES

It's not black and white.

— Joel Saitore Gilisho,
Maasai Warrior. Kenya

— John Lynch, Climatologist,
Oxford, University

— Jay Waldvogel,
Dairy Farmers of America (retired)