My husband and I are always taking risks and being adventurous. I like this lifestyle a lot, but sometimes it makes me wonder what in the world are we thinking? I left academia, moved to upstate NY from Texas, and started a new job recently. Meanwhile, we're planting grapes for a winery (only a handful of us have these “experimental” grapes in the USA so stay tuned) and redoing a 1700s old dairy barn into a venue. If you’re a status quo person, then this information probably gave you hives, and you’re done with the conversation. If you like adventure and wonder where this blog is going, then you probably will keep reading.

While getting all the permits for our venue, we found out we must have a commercial indoor sprinkler system. This is a seasonal barn with five exits and two ginormous barn doors, one of which (the 30x30 ish) is covered with a roof and always left open. But rules are rules som here we go installing a sprinkler system to get our permits. No options, no discussion, just get the sprinkler system.

I am frustrated. But, rules are rules, right? How have we gotten so complicated in our society? Where is the individualization of rules? One size does not fit all – a square peg will never fit into a round hole, no matter how hard you try.

There is no one size fits all, especially in our industry. I have worked with poultry processors, big and small. What works for big doesn’t work all the time for small, what works for one big company may not work for another big company, etc. It could be many factors. The factors may change but the concept is still the same – square pegs will never fit into round holes. We are not all the same. We don’t want industry to all be the same, either, because we as consumers want choices. The only thing that should be the same is producing a final safe, quality product. The process of getting there can be and should be individualized for each facility and process.

The difficulty is that the rules must fit all processors. Regulators are accountable for all operational sizes and products. It is overwhelming for them to ensure there are no “buts” or “what ifs” that can make anyone sick. It is stressful and what keeps them up at night, similar to industry concerns. However, they also must operate on a “one size fits all mentality” to keep everyone moving in the same direction. So, just like my barn, the rules must be made for a venue (processor), regardless of the individualized components to each venue (processor).

I know regulators are doing their best, and I know processors are doing their best, but can we all agree that this process is frustrating? Regulators must ensure safety (they are doing their job and a thank you to them), and processors must comply (and they are also doing a great job, thank you). I know with our barn, we must comply, and we will. All I am saying to you is that I understand. We are a tribe to each other, and we will continue to do the right things. And if anyone in regulatory or processing wants to have a beer and talk about it, let me know. I am all ears, and I understand.

PSA: Square pegs will never fit into round holes

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