Milked

In the heart of New Zealand's picturesque landscapes, a young and ambitious activist named Alex makes his way to the dairy land, determined to confront the giants of the country's most influential industry. As he delves deeper into the world of dairy farming, he discovers a complex web of issues that threaten not only the future of this seemingly innocent industry, but also the very fabric of the country's economy. Alex's initial interactions with the dairy farmers reveal a façade of success and prosperity, but beneath the surface lies a grim reality. He witnesses the devastating impact of intensive farming practices on the environment, including water pollution, soil degradation, and the depletion of biodiversity. The once pristine landscapes are now scarred by the relentless pursuit of profit, as the dairy industry continues to expand and intensify its operations. As Alex digs deeper, he unearths the darker side of the dairy industry's growth. He meets individuals who have suffered health problems due to their proximity to these industrial farming operations, and hears tales of communities forced to relocate due to the industry's relentless expansion. He also encounters whistleblowers who reveal the industry's reckless disregard for the environment and human rights. The documentary "Milked" sheds light on the unsustainable and outdated practices of the dairy industry, which is now facing an existential crisis. The impending agricultural disruption, driven by factors such as climate change, water scarcity, and shifting consumer preferences, threatens the very foundations of this industry. Alex confronts the dairy giants, including Fonterra, New Zealand's largest dairy cooperative, and demands that they take responsibility for the damage they have inflicted on the environment and the community. One of the most striking aspects of "Milked" is its portrayal of the sustainability crisis gripping the dairy industry. The documentary highlights the staggering amounts of water and energy required to produce a kilogram of milk powder, as well as the alarming levels of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the industry's operations. Alex's interviews with experts provide a sobering assessment of the risks posed by climate change to the dairy industry, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves that will further strain an already beleaguered system. As Alex navigates the complex landscape of New Zealand's dairy industry, he also explores potential solutions to this sustainability crisis. He meets entrepreneurs and innovators who are developing sustainable alternatives to the traditional dairy model, including regenerative agriculture, organic dairy farming, and plant-based milk production. These pioneers offer a glimpse of a more hopeful future, where the dairy industry can thrive without sacrificing the planet. Moreover, "Milked" highlights the role of policy and politics in perpetuating the dairy industry's problems. The documentary reveals how New Zealand's government and industry leaders have prioritized short-term profits over long-term sustainability, even as the country's reputation as a leader in environmental protection hangs in the balance. Alex's confrontation with the industry's powerful lobby groups serves as a powerful reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the pursuit of sustainability. Through Alex's journey, "Milked" exposes not only the unsustainable practices of the dairy industry but also the dangerous denial of impending agricultural disruption. The documentary serves as a wake-up call to the industry, policymakers, and consumers alike, highlighting the urgent need for change. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food security, "Milked" offers a timely reminder of the consequences of prioritizing profit over planet. In the end, "Milked" is a powerful and unflinching critique of the dairy industry's unsustainable practices, while also offering a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future. The documentary presents a vision of New Zealand and other countries as leaders in the transition to regenerative and organic agriculture, rather than clinging to outdated and polluting practices. As the world navigates this critical juncture in the history of food production, "Milked" serves as a compelling reminder of the need for change and the power of activism to drive transformation.