How do you cast and direct an avant-garde opera starring 100 sheep in New York City — in the middle of lambing season, no less?
Source: A New Breed of Opera Diva: Sheep
I posted the request for 100 sheep to our local group, the Garden State Sheep Breeders (GSSB), but thought they would have a hard time finding that many sheep willing to commute. Due to the cost of land in NJ and eastern PA most farmers in this area don’t have as many as 100 sheep. In addition the health requirements for bringing animals across state lines and into NY are expensive to meet. All animals must be inspected by a Vet and have a current rabies shot at a minimum. Think how much that would cost for 100 sheep! Not to mention the cost of transportation and housing. Additionally they could not be ready to lamb or have just lambed due to the potential for spreading Scrapies and this is the normal lambing season. Still I’m glad that Twin Brook Farm decided to go ahead with it as I’m sure it was an amazing sight. Only out West on a ranch would you typically get to see so many sheep together. It would be quite the experience for a city dweller, one that a small farmer would appreciate as well!
