Going vegan is often presented as the solution to climate change. The dominant message in the media is clear: cows are destroying the planet, and if we stop eating animal products, we’ll save it.
This might sound surprising, but the more I learn about food systems, farming and the environment, the more I question that message.
This isn’t about telling anyone what they should or shouldn’t eat. It’s about looking at the full picture — especially when it comes to climate change, soil health and human nutrition.
Are Cows Really the Problem?
Cows have existed for thousands of years — long before climate change, aeroplanes and cars. That doesn’t mean modern farming practices are perfect (far from it), but it does mean cows themselves are not the enemy.
When cattle are raised using organic, traditional or regenerative farming methods, they can actually help the planet rather than harm it.
Healthy farming creates soil, not dirt.
- Dirt is dead and cannot support life
- Soil is living, nutrient-rich and capable of growing food
Healthy soil is also one of the most powerful carbon capture systems we have. And what helps keep soil alive?
👉 Animals — including cows.
Their grazing, movement, and natural fertilisation of the land all play a vital role in regenerating soil and supporting ecosystems.
Why Regenerative Farming Matters for Climate Change
One of the most eye-opening things I’ve learned is how important animals are in reversing environmental damage.
Historically, there were around 60 million grazing cattle in North America, roaming, migrating and naturally maintaining the land — without global warming as we know it today.
Their hooves churned the earth, their waste nourished the soil, and the land stayed fertile and alive. Living soil can absorb greenhouse gases and convert them into nutrients.
Today, much of our soil is dead, largely due to:
- Intensive farming
- Overuse of pesticides and fungicides
- Lack of animals on the land
If we regenerate soil back to health, the positive environmental impact would be enormous. Without animals in farming systems, we’re in real trouble.
The Methane Problem Explained
You may have heard that cows produce large amounts of methane — and that’s true in intensive farming systems.
But here’s why.
Cows are designed to eat grass, not grain. Grain is cheaper, so intensively farmed cattle are fed fermented grains often coated in sweet syrups to make them palatable. This disrupts their digestion — and causes excessive methane production.
When cows eat what they are biologically designed to eat, methane output drops significantly.
In short:
👉 The problem isn’t cows — it’s how we farm them.
Vegan “Alternatives” and Health Concerns
Another concern I have is the rise of highly processed vegan meat alternatives, snacks and treats.
While it’s absolutely possible to eat a healthy vegan diet, many commercial vegan products are:
- Highly processed
- Low in nutrients
- High in refined oils, sugars and additives
There’s nothing wrong with an occasional treat. But eating ultra-processed foods thinking they’re healthy is where problems arise — for energy, hormones and long-term health.
Add in confusing marketing and mixed media messages, and it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed.
A More Balanced, Sustainable Approach
This is why I encourage people to buy:
- Organic food where possible
- Grass-fed or pasture-raised meat
- Traditionally or regeneratively farmed produce
Yes, it’s more expensive — but eating better quality animal products less often is far more beneficial than eating intensively farmed meat every day.
For example:
- Organic or grass-fed meat once a week
- More plants to naturally fill your plate
This approach supports:
- Soil health
- Environmental sustainability
- Human nutrition
And while one person’s choices may feel insignificant, collective demand does drive change. The more we buy regeneratively farmed food, the more accessible and affordable it becomes.
A Final Thought
This isn’t about being preachy. We’re all doing the best we can.
But the message of “just go vegan” often ignores:
- Soil health
- Regenerative farming
- Nutrient deficiencies when diets aren’t properly planned
A poorly planned vegan diet can negatively impact health if key nutrients aren’t replaced or supplemented correctly.
If you need support with your diet — whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, omnivorous or somewhere in between — feel free to get in touch. I promise a non-judgemental, practical approach, whatever your food choices.
