Kristina Rivers

There are many stories to a t-shirt - In West Africa we considered the story of a t-shirt from an environmental perspective, in Central Asia we considered the impacts on people and in Australia we will explore an animals perspective by leading a solution-focused investigation into the way livestock are treated in the process of supplying wool to leading manufacturers.

Australia is the leading producer of wool, mostly from Merino sheep, even though sheep husbandry was not introduced until the 1800’s, with sheep from Europe.

In the 1930s a practice called Mulesing was developed in Australia which involves the removal (surgically cutting) strips of skin from around the buttocks of a sheep to prevent flystrike (blowflies depositing their larvae in the folds of skin where maggots, which develop from larvae eat the flesh). Removing and scaring skin from a sheep’s buttocks has been used as a remedial solution to the problem ever since and become  standard practice.

In recent years, the practice of Mulesing has become a contentious issue. The Australian merino industry is divided on the issue and has failed to reach an agreement about a strategy to eliminate it. In recent years the practice has been brought to attention by animal rights and animal welfare activists.

What do you think? Is it as black and white as this? We don’t think so and it appears there are farmers out there who agree. New innovative practices that do not harm sheep are being introduced, and one of these farms is in Tasmania and we are going to go learn all about it and share it with you.

What is this farms' long term, ethical and effective solution? How did they decide to go against ‘standard practice’ and do something courageously different?

We have basically self funded this project the past two years. See our 2012 summary for details.

I’ll be going on this expedition on my own, without my co-explorer, Nic.

We really do not have the financial support to keep going, but I think this is a valuable story and valuable part of the project. What do you think?

If you agree - that this is something worth sharing, $2,000 will be all that I need to get to Tasmania, to cycle and film for ten days, produce a small video, provide live interaction with children in classrooms, and guide a team in creation of a lasting educational resource.

If you LOVE this project but would rather contribute by developing educational material instead of a dollar - CONTACT US we are still have some opportunities available. More information HERE.

World By Cycle will be delivering a presentation and film night of the Kyrgyzstan Adventure on February 13th, at the Patagonia in Melbourne. On the 18th of February, Kristina will take the ship across the Bass Strait to Devonport.

From Devonport she will cycle east, through Launceston and Scottsdale to St. Helens and along the coast through Bicheno and Orford and then inland through Sorell to Hobart and on to South Bruny Island. Total distance of 600km, cycling about 100km a day - with four days for interviews and visits to farms, wildlife hubs, and schools.

Adventure completed February 28th and the short film March 14th.