Fueling the finish line: Why runners need animal protein
Join us June 27–29 for the World Without Cows Global Run, a 25,000-mile challenge that raises raise awareness of agriculture’s role in creating a sustainable future
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
EXPLORE
Dig deeper into the into the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in feeding the world and their impact on climate
Cheese, everywhere: 10 facts about one of the world’s oldest and strangest foods
Take a world tour of cheese traditions, facts and history — all made possible by cows
National Dairy Month: Share the story of dairy’s essential role in nourishing the world
What would we lose in a world without milk?
Cows and climate: Facts from the documentary
A closer look at what cows contribute to our world
Too much for some, not enough for others: Why U.S. dietary guidelines need a global lens
New dietary advice sparks a bigger question: Who gets to decide what’s healthy?
School milk: Small investment, global impact
Exploring the power and potential of milk in school systems around the world
Cows, culture, climate and consumption: The story of milk today
A global look at how milk is produced and consumed — and its evolving role in a changing world
Join the conversation
During National Beef Month, we consider: What’s at “steak” in a world without beef?
The cow as mother: From Gau Mata to global symbols of care
Exploring cows as symbols of nourishment, care and connection across cultures
Can a glass of milk help your mood?
From producing serotonin to improving gut health, dairy provides key nutrients that help us think, feel and sleep better
Grazing or growing: Rethinking the role of cows and marginal land
Cows or crops? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think.
World Without Cows Supporters’ Action Guide
Turn curiosity into action — and help broaden the conversation
The impact of cows on cultures and economies around the world
Take a closer look at humanity’s profound reliance on cows
The environmental impact of cows: What the filmmakers learned on their global journey
Cows play a role in climate change — and in climate solutions
Paul’s story: From childhood dream to high-tech dairy
First-generation farmer uses AI and automation to increase productivity, optimize breeding and reduce illness
World Without Cows Podcast: Episode 3 — Brian Sundberg
Nutritionist: Cows are the ‘ultimate recyclers’, consuming up to 50% of their diet in byproducts
Planet of Plenty LLC helps expand the reach and impact of World Without Cows
New entity amplifies science-based storytelling and advocacy
Rotational grazing: How moving cows creates climate resilience
Cows contribute to global warming, but how they graze is an important part of the story
Can we grow enough crops to feed a world without cows?
The land we can’t farm still feeds us, thanks to cows: A look at land use, nutrition and sustainability
World Without Cows Podcast: Episode 2 — Jay Waldvogel
Telling the full story: The power of perspective in agriculture
Deciphering beef labels: Facts and misconceptions
From “grass-fed” to “antibiotic-free,” what does the language on beef labels tell us?
Deep Dive: World Without Cows — Resource Wiki
Facts from the film and much more available at your fingertips
Key findings from World Without Cows
A quick summary of the lessons learned during our global journey of exploration
Tackling enteric methane at its source — inside the cow
How scientists are using diet, genetics and microbiome solutions to reduce methane emissions
From vegan to vitality: Sarah’s story
Yoga instructor Sarah White shares her journey back to meat and dairy — and wellness
World Without Cows Podcast: Episode 1 — Justin Sherrard
Turning conversations into commitments for a better food future
VIDEO | Street talk: Are we better off in a world without cows?
Filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth hit the streets to find out what people think about cows and climate
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?
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
Can cows help combat climate change? Groundbreaking research alliance challenges conventional narrative
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
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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
