In its 2024 Sustainability Report, Alltech not only updates its strong progress in cutting emissions and boosting energy efficiency — it also challenges the narrative surrounding livestock in climate conversations through its headline initiative: World Without Cows.

This feature-length documentary, screened globally in 2024, is more than a communication effort. It’s a strategic, science-driven push to reposition cattle — and livestock at large — as a necessary component of resilient, ethical and economically viable food systems.

“This is not about defending the status quo,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech CEO. “It’s about introducing science-led nuance into a debate often hijacked by simplistic messaging.”

Sustainability with Context

While Alltech reports a 7.8% cut in its operational emissions in 2024 (Scopes 1 and 2), and a 26% total reduction since 2021, the documentary questions the assumption that reducing livestock is inherently more sustainable. It argues that ruminants can contribute to regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and carbon cycling — if managed within science-based systems.

Ethics and Food Sovereignty

World Without Cows doesn’t shy away from ethics. It explores what eliminating cattle would mean for rural livelihoods, food access in emerging economies, and cultural food traditions. The film underlines that ethical food systems must consider humans as well as animals, a stance that reflects Alltech’s investment in social sustainability — including a workforce from 72 countries and community engagement worldwide.

Business and Market Resilience

Economically, livestock is a stabilizing force. The film points out that cows convert non-edible plant material into high-quality protein, supporting circular economies in agriculture. In parallel, Alltech’s 2024 report reveals $2.04 million invested in renewable projects and zero-waste expansion to five new facilities — demonstrating that sustainable agri-business models are not just viable but profitable.

Narrative Economics

The film is a striking example of what Alltech calls “science-led storytelling.” More than 5,000 viewers attended global screenings in 2024, and the company is using this platform to shape discourse at the intersection of sustainability, economy, and food policy.

“The livestock sector doesn’t need silence — it needs science,” Lyons said.

The film, backed by Alltech’s long-standing commitment to sustainable nutrition, life-cycle assessments (57 new LCAs in 2024), and ESG frameworks, aims to reshape the value perception of animal agriculture in policy and investment circles.

As the debate around climate, food, and ethics intensifies, World Without Cows places cattle not as a problem to be removed, but as a partner in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable agri-food future.

The full 2024 Alltech Sustainability Report can be accessed at alltech.com/sustainability.