Tag: HACCP

Interested in starting a meat processing business? Whether you’re early in your research, planning to open a new plant, or expanding an existing operation, explore our blog for practical information, real-world guidance, and stories of hardworking Americans who are getting after it.

At Friesla, we’re helping farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs build independent meat processing businesses in communities across the country. Explore our resources on starting a meat processing business, the basics of meat processing, USDA inspection requirements, available grants and funding opportunities, and other practical information on building and running a successful operation.


Meat Traceability: A Small Meat Processor’s Guide to Lots, Recalls & Food Safety

“Where does my food come from?” Consumers are asking this question more often, and for independent meat processors, answering it can help tell a powerful…

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What It Takes to Run a Meat Processing Business

Running a meat processing business is a lot more than just harvesting, processing, and selling meat. It’s a mix of planning, production, problem-solving, and people…

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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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Smiling butcher removes pieces of hide from a hanging carcass.

From Feeder to Eater: Real Stories of Local Meat Processors

Every Friesla Meat Processing System is different, and the goals and operational setups are diverse. But the one thing in common is that all of…

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A team of butchers removing the hide from a beef carcass on a skinning cradle in a Friesla Harvest Module.

Client Story: BRK Meats

Raising, slaughtering, and processing animals for meat was once a routine part of American life, directly connecting communities to their food. Over time, as the…

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Butcher pulling the hide from a beef carcass in a Friesla Harvest Module.

Waste Management Options for Small Meat Processing Facilities

Effective meat processing waste management is a critical part of any small meat processing operation, whether you’re operating a Friesla Mobile or Modular System, a…

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Butcher places finished cuts of meat onto tray for display in meat case.

Investing in Local Meat Processing: Impact, Opportunity & Income Diversification

Local meat processing has gained attention in recent years partially because of backlogs during COVID, but also because it is recognized as a cornerstone of…

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Owner of Harrison Harvesting easing a cow out of a livestock trailer into the meat processing facilities livestock pen system.

Why Meat Processors Need A Robust Humane Handling Program

Animal welfare is a hot topic in today’s agricultural economy—and for good reason. Humane animal handling is a moral venture and carries high cultural expectations:…

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Butcher moving a beef half on the rail in a full Friesla Carcass Aging Cooler.

Client Story: MTXBeef

MTXBeef started over a COVID-era cocktail and a campfire. It was spring 2020. The pandemic had hit. Nestled in the rolling Texas Hill Country—west of…

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Butchers cleaning beef cow with water after bleeding outside Friesla Mobile Meat Harvest Trailer.

Mobile Harvest Units: An Alternative to the Traditional Slaughter Floor

Designing, engineering, permitting, and constructing a new building can be costly and time-consuming. A meat processing plant is no exception, which is why mobile harvest…

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