The power of soil — and cows — to be a climate solution
Can regenerative farming practices improve carbon capture and help build a more sustainable future?
EXPLORE
Dig deeper into the into the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in feeding the world and their impact on climate
No beef here: Exploring myths about red meat
A closer look at what science says about the role of red meat in a healthy diet
Do dairy and red meat deserve a spot on your plate in 2025?
New Year’s resolutions often involve healthy eating. Here’s why you can feel good about keeping red meat and dairy in your diet.
Are alternative meats and milk an answer to our global food security challenges?
Many regions are already protein-insecure. Would we be able to meet the world’s dietary needs in a world without cows?
How cows have shaped global holiday traditions
Would holiday traditions be the same in a world without cows?
Can cows and trees work together to help combat climate change?
Silvopasture creates healthier soil, increases biodiversity, and has the potential to increase carbon sequestration
Balanced diets build better brains
A diet that includes plant- and animal-sourced foods provides the nutrients our brains need to thrive throughout our lives
California collaboration: Putting dairy cows at the center of sustainability
How farmers, policymakers and scientists are working together to drastically reduce methane emissions
The connection between cows and carbon capture
Can grazing cattle combat climate change? Yes, through a simple yet profound natural process called carbon sequestration
Lessons from the Dust Bowl
Historic disaster highlighted the importance of balancing agriculture with environmental health
A table for 10 billion: The role of dairy in global food security and sustainability
How dairy combats malnutrition, supports communities and drives innovative solutions for a healthier planet
Nature’s upcyclers: How cows transform waste into the food we need
Cows play a vital role in global nutrition security
It’s complicated: The relationship between cows and humankind
Like roots supporting a tree, cows provide unseen but vital support for human life
What is a sustainable diet — and can it include meat and milk?
United Nations defines sustainable food systems as meeting people’s nutritional, economic, social and environmental needs
College students weigh in: Are we better off in a world without cows?
Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth hit the streets to find out how University of Kentucky students think cows impact our planet
Why do cows produce methane?
Methane produced by microbes that live in cows’ digestive systems help them turn things we can’t eat into the food we need
Official Trailer for World Without Cows released
New documentary filmed in 40 global locations over three years explores the impact of cattle on economies, ecosystems, cultures and human nutrition
Buck Island Ranch: A Case for Carbon-Negative Beef
Groundbreaking research alliance challenges conventional wisdom about cattle and climate change
Not all greenhouse gases are created equal
Methane does a clever vanishing act to help, not hurt, the climate
What would happen if all the cows were suddenly gone?
Documentary examines the role of cattle in our world and the potential consequences of their removal
The Making of World Without Cows
Filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth share a behind-the-scenes look at the making of our upcoming documentary
Cows are more than just food
Without cows, we wouldn’t have cheeseburgers … or violin strings
Agriculture could be carbon-negative by 2050
Researchers say changes in ag technology and management could help remove 13 billion tons of CO2 annually
Watch the Trailer
Official Trailer
Social media posts
Connect with us on social media (@worldwithoutcows) to stay up to date with the latest news, updates on screenings and other events. Don’t forget to tag us in your stories.
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:
- https://www.facebook.com/WorldWithoutCows
- https://twitter.com/worldwithoutcow
- https://www.instagram.com/worldwithoutcows/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldwithoutcows/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwithoutcows
- https://www.youtube.com/@PlanetofPlenty
Our filmmakers’ social accounts:
Michelle Michael
- https://www.instagram.com/farmfilmmaker
- https://www.facebook.com/farmfilmmaker
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-michael-9395a977/
Brandon Whitworth
