Cowcycles

Directed by Kathleen Masterson

The ultimate recycling machine

Description

In a state where industrial dairies are replacing familyrun farms, this dairy goliath in northeastern Wisconsin is working to lessen the vast environmental impact of the bovine lifecycle. In addition to significant fossil fuel usage, a farm this size produces more than 150 million pounds of manure each year or the weight equivalent of 60,000 Honda Civics. So... Holsum Dairy is striving to minimize their environmental impact by recycling every part of the cow. But the lingering question remains—what is the cost of human interference in nature’s cycles?

Acknowlegements

Camera: Kathleen Masterson
Music: "The Smiler," Scott Joplin
Thanks: Holsum Dairies, LLC; Ken Buelow; Brian Ekdale and Kirk Vander Dussen. My teachers--Judith Helfand, Sarita Siegel, Gregg Mitman, and Erika Simon--and all the amazing students in our class for their feedback, suggestions and support.

Other 2007 Student Films

Alternate Living
Farmer John
Fish Fry
For When the Buffalo Roam
Freewheels and Freedom
I'm In a Badger State of Mind
Matt's Turkeys

Go back to the Student Films Directory.