“Challenging” and “brave” were two of the comments from Guild members reviewing an exclusive screening of World Without Cows at Alltech’s UK headquarters in Stamford last week.
The film, which has been spearheaded by Alltech CEO Mark Lyons, delivers a wide-ranging reflection of the role of beef and dairy cattle across the globe, as well as their contribution to climate change.
Featuring interviews with climate scientists, researchers, environmental campaigners, farmers, ranchers, global CEOs and more, film makers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth tour the world to capture the significance of cows from a range of perspectives.
World Without Cows is planned to hit streaming services later this year, but Guild members were invited to a private screening on 27 March, which was hosted by senior Alltech leaders Dr Jules Taylor-Pickard, Patrick Charlton and Matthew Smith.
From visiting some of the largest beef cattle ranches in the world, to a subsistence dairy farmer in India, the film investigates whether the planet would be better off with or without cows.
Spoiler alert; it’s complicated.
The producers present an often-uncomfortable view of animal agriculture. Science showing that cattle are intrinsically linked to planet-warming gasses is placed front and centre of the film, and individuals who support the disbandment of animal agriculture are given air time to present their view.
However, a light is shone on the less publicised aspects of the debate. Arguments are not polarised, and ideas are focused on solutions rather than mud-slinging.
Alltech Europe Vice President Patrick Charlton said the film is not a piece of propaganda for the dairy industry, but an honest, frank conversation starter which he hopes will ignite ideas for the role of livestock in being part of the solution to climate change.
Matthew Smith, Vice President, added that the film would “put the cow in the board room” in terms of leaders making decisions about the industry.
The screening was attended by more than 20 Guild members and followed a tour of Alltech’s Stamford headquarters, which was built in 2018 by its founder, the late Dr Pearse Lyons.
For more information about screenings and the release of World Without Cows go to worldwithoutcows.com.
