Friesla Blog: Education

Interested in starting a meat processing business? Explore our blog for industry info and stories of great Americans who are getting it done.

Worker at TriVan, Friesla's manufacturer, welds together pieces of steel to form the frame of a module as part of a Meat Processing System.

Why American Manufacturing—and Local Meat Processing—Matter More Than Ever

The United States was built on independence, self-reliance, and the pride of making things with our own hands.  So why are we outsourcing much of…

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USDA inspector performing an inspection on a hanging beef cow in a Mobile Harvest Trailer.

A Simple Guide to USDA Inspection for Independent Meat Processors

Getting started under USDA inspection is a significant step for an independent meat processing plant. It opens the door to interstate commerce, creates new opportunities…

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How Meat Processors Can Use Social Media to Build Trust & Boost Sales

Direct-to-consumer meat, while still “niche,” is a growing part of the market. More buyers want to know where their meat comes from, how it was…

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Butcher filling out a beef cut sheet used for meat processing production.

Beef Cut Sheet Guide: Tips for Consumers & Processors

When you order bulk beef—whether a half, quarter, or whole animal—your processor will usually ask you to fill out a beef cut sheet. This order…

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Beef Cuts Explained: Primals, Steaks, Roasts & Ground Beef

Beef goes way beyond burgers, steaks, and roasts—it’s a whole world of flavors, textures, and cooking methods, all influenced by where the cut comes from…

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Packaged meat after sealing in a double chamber vacuum machine.

Meat Packaging 101: Equipment, Strategies & Tips for Independent Processors

Packaging might not be glamorous, but it’s among the most important considerations for independent meat processors. It affects a lot—from facility layout and equipment to…

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Employees weighing and packaging meat in the Bourbon Barrel Beef Retail Shop.

Understanding Meat Processing Weights: Live Weight, Hanging Weight & Packaged Weight

There are three types of weight that meat processors use: live weight, hanging weight, and packaged weight. Whether you’re a processor or a customer purchasing…

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Friesla client Missy Crocker and her family from MTXBeef on their ranch in Mason, Texas.

Keeping the Farm: Ideas for Sustaining a Multi-Generational Family Cattle Business

In agriculture, the weight of tradition is heavy, and the path forward can feel narrow, especially when considering the future.  A growing number of families…

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Tips for Buying Meat from Local Producers and Processors

More Americans are buying meat directly from farmers, ranchers, and independent processors who they trust. This supports local agriculture and provides access to high-quality meat—along…

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Smiling MTX Beef butchers fabricate and breakdown beef carcasses on tables in their Friesla Cut & Package Module.

Video Stories of Small, Local Meat Processing Businesses

A local meat processing business starts with a vision: an idea, answer to a question, or solution to a problem. What if you have this…

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