Documentary filmmakers and former journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth kicked off their new World Without Cows podcast with a conversation with Justin Sherrard, vice president of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and a director at Breedr, a cattle management software company. Justin is an independent animal protein business advisor who focuses on supply chains, innovation and sustainability. Previously, he was a global strategist for animal protein at Rabobank, a global leader in agricultural financial services. Much like the documentary, the World Without Cows podcast delves into the profound implications of a scenario where cows no longer exist, examining the multifaceted roles cows play in our global ecosystem. In this first episode of their thought-provoking podcast, Michelle and Brandon reconnect with Justin, who is featured in the World Without Cows documentary, to discuss the future of sustainable food production and the beef industry.   Since World Without Cows was filmed ... Justin noted several advancements in the agriculture industry since his first interview for World Without Cows, including more concrete commitments to sustainability by participants across the supply chain. “We see more commitment, and that’s important. Commitments matter,” Justin said. “Goals being set, milestones being put down and markers being placed there for progress.” This progress is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for long-term improvements in the industry. However, Justin also pointed out that while there is progress, it is not uniform across all areas. Some companies have taken a competitive approach to sustainability, which can be beneficial, but only if foundational elements are agreed upon and put in place. “What are the metrics by which we’re going to measure progress? Are we aligned on that?” he questioned. Without these common metrics, Justin said, the industry risks confusing consumers.   Promising opportunities One of the most promising opportunities lies in the potential of animal agriculture to achieve net positive impacts on climate and biodiversity. Practices such as upcycling biomass that would otherwise go to waste can contribute positively to the environment. “The main game is how we continue to provide nutritious, safe, sustainable food to nourish everyone in the world in the right way,” Justin said. Another opportunity is the role of technology in advancing sustainability. There have been significant technological advancements in agriculture that can help achieve sustainability goals. “The solutions are clearer, the progress that’s been made there, the commercialization of those technologies, it’s all moving in the right direction,” he noted. Embracing these technologies can drive efficiency and innovation in sustainable practices.   Obstacles to sustainable cattle production Despite these opportunities, several obstacles stand in the path of sustainable cattle production. One major challenge is the lack of clear market signals that reward sustainable practices. These signals are essential for aligning the industry’s efforts with consumer expectations and driving meaningful progress. “Until we really get clear market signals that say this is what we want and this is what you’re going to be rewarded for, we’re going to continue to struggle,” Justin explained. Another obstacle is the risk of “carbon tunnel vision,” where the focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions overshadows other important sustainability goals like biodiversity and animal welfare. A holistic approach to sustainability is necessary to address all environmental impacts comprehensively. “We can’t get trapped into this carbon tunnel vision and don’t think about this in a broader context,” Justin said. About World Without Cows World Without Cows is a feature-length documentary that explores the complexity behind a seemingly simple question: “Are we better off in a world without cows?”   Through interviews with farmers