Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has recently ventured into an unexpected domain – cattle farming on his expansive Ko'olau Ranch in Kauai, Hawaii. Zuckerberg aims to produce what he calls "the highest quality beef in the world" by raising a combination of wagyu and Angus cattle and feeding them with locally produced macadamia nuts and beer.

Zuckerberg, who owns a sprawling 1,400-acre ranch, shared details of his cattle-raising project on Instagram. He emphasized the project's commitment to being entirely local and vertically integrated, with the cattle consuming macadamia meal and beer grown and produced on the ranch.

"Started raising cattle at Ko'olau Ranch on Kauai, and my goal is to create some of the highest quality beef in the world. The cattle are wagyu and angus, and they'll grow up eating macadamia meal and drinking beer that we grow and produce here on the ranch. We want the whole process to be local and vertically integrated. Each cow eats 5,000-10,000 pounds of food each year, so that's a lot of acres of macadamia trees," according to Instagram post.

Additionally, he mentioned that his daughter plays a role in planting macadamia trees and tending to the well-being of the animals. "We're still early in the journey and it's fun improving on it every season. Of all my projects, this is the most delicious." Zuckerberg added.

PETA Reaction

The post quickly became viral and received immediate criticism from PETA in the comment box, "Please stick to technology. Every animal is someone. This "project" is killing animals and the planet and is traumatizing for your kids. There are so many other productive things to do, like creating innovative vegan foods that save animals, help the planet, and improve human health".

PETA Vice President Shalin Gala expressed his displeasure on X, stating, "Mark Zuckerberg says he’s now 'started raising cattle' at his property in Hawaii, feeding them beer, and then killing them. Mark, the Dark Ages called and it wants you back. #goVegan."

In addition to ethical concerns, the project also encountered scrutiny for potential environmental hazards. Experts questioned the decision to cultivate water-intensive macadamia nuts, especially during a global water crisis. Furthermore, critics highlighted the environmental impact of beef cattle production, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a mature cow can emit approximately 500 liters of methane per day, contributing to around 3.7% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

This isn't Zuckerberg's first venture outside the tech world to face controversy. His previous attempt to create a sustainable and high-quality beef source stirred public debate, touching on issues of animal rights, environmental sustainability, and the ethics of billionaire-led agricultural projects.

The project's critics argue that raising cattle on water-intensive macadamia nuts and beer is a questionable choice, framing it as a billionaire's eccentric side project rather than a serious effort towards sustainable agriculture. Mitch Jones, policy director at Food & Water Watch, emphasized the need for genuine agricultural reform to address systemic issues and the challenges posed by a warming climate.

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