There’s a disconnect between farmers and the general population when it comes to cows. Based on headlines regarding climate change, one would assume that cows are the primary driver of global warming. While cows do contribute to emissions, the science is often misunderstood, leading to inaccurate narratives. What are the facts, and what would be the consequences of a world without cows? These questions sent two filmmakers, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth, on a global journey in search of answers.
Directed by the two and commissioned by Alltech, an international agribusiness producing specialty ingredients, premix and feed, World Without Cows is an 85-minute documentary exploring the major challenges surrounding ruminant agriculture. It explores population growth in developing countries, cattle’s effect on climate change and examines the not-so-straightforward conversations between consumers and industry that need to be had.
The first point that the filmmakers examine is the cultural and economic consequences of a hypothetical world without cows. They take us to the Maasai tribe in Kenya, whose deep spiritual connection to the cattle touches every aspect of their lives. Cattle are currency in this community, and the prosperity that comes from the cattle industry leads to better education, economic resilience and food security. “Here a cow is a lifeline,” says Lynda McDonald, Project Manager for Dairy Development at Tetra Pak. “It’s the difference between a dignified life and a life with enough food, a life with money to provide education, a life where women can open a bank account and a life where children can have prosperity.”
The key question is how to sustainably feed the growing population in developing regions. The documentary hypothesizes that upcycling – the practice of making more edible food from repurposing agricultural byproducts or surplus food – is crucial here. A study cited in the documentary demonstrates that if you attempted to feed three children their amino acid requirements through corn, it would take 770 pounds of product. If you fed that same 770 pounds of corn to cattle, the beef produced would feed 17 children their amino acid requirements. Beef can play a role as a protein upcycler, to improve the value of protein.
The film does a great job of not ignoring or falsifying the agriculture industry’s effect on the climate. In an interview with an animal protein critic who believes in a world where plant-based alternatives can feed the population, the methane gas emitted by cows is addressed. Although methane does have an effect on climate change, others in the documentary refute that it is not as large a percentage of climate change as many think. “A totally vegan United States, no animal foods whatsoever, would equate to 2.6% reduction in greenhouse gas,” says Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Research and Director of the CLEAR Center at the University of California, Davis. He explains the percentage is small compared to the emissions from fossil fuel usage.
The solution the film proposes is that improving global efficiency in the cattle industry would help support the growing population and alleviate climate concerns. Although Brazil has twice as many cattle as the United States, it produces 5 billion pounds less beef. If Brazil were to become more efficient, it could reduce environmental impact while increasing beef production.
The film concludes by addressing what a more structured world with cows could look like. Farmers were shown enhancing soil health by grazing cows on pastures and adopting zero-till farming, to store carbon in the soil and improve topsoil quality. For one farmer shown, these practices led to carbon-negative farming, something most consumers wouldn’t think possible. While this level of efficiency will take heavy investment and innovation from farmers, we’ve seen this implemented in the past. “Every stage of history, go back as far as you want, farmers have been the anchor,” says Jay Waldvogel, former Senior VP of Strategy and International Development for the Dairy Farmers of America, Minnesota. “They have been the ones who quickly respond to what society needs. They’re the ones who most quickly adapt to innovation… So why would you bet against them now?”
While World Without Cows presents some daunting realities and overwhelming expectations for the future, the documentary leaves you with the sense that the required innovation and infrastructure are achievable. However, this requires narrowing the gap between the general public and the agriculture industry, as well as political policies that align all stakeholders towards a common goal. If the industry can educate the general population so they don’t vilify farmers, the planet will be better for it. If not, the bleak reality some of the interviewees hypothesize could be here sooner than we realize. The aims of the documentary are to close the gap between consumers and farmers through education, which is a message all in the food and agriculture sector should be taking on board.
