BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents was broadcast on Thursday, 21 July, 2005 at 1102 BST.
Animal rights campaigners PETA, believe mulesing is extremely cruel
The programme was repeated on Monday, 25 July, 2005.
An almighty row is taking place between Australia's wool producers and animal welfare groups.
It centres on the controversial practice of mulesing, shearing flesh from the sheep to protect them from insects, which lay eggs in the folds of skin.
The animal rights organisation, PETA claims this is cruel because no pain relief is administered and they have called on retailers to boycott Australian wool.
Wendy Carlisle finds out how the row is being played out in Australia and what the long-term effect might be on Australia's wool industry.
Presenter: Wendy Carlisle
Producer: Sue Ellis
This programme is a co-production with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation