Tag: independent meat processors

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.


A Del Fox Meats butcher using a knife to trim a hanging beef carcass inside the Harvest Room of the Friesla Harvest Module.

USDA Opens $5 Billion SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program for Meat, Poultry & Seafood Processors

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of at least $5 billion in loan guarantees through the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR)…

Read More
Butchers fabricate and breakdown beef carcasses on polytop cutting tables in their Friesla Breaking Module.

USDA Launches $60M Meat & Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP IV) Grant Funding for Beef Processors

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has officially announced the availability of $60 million in grant funding for meat processors through Phase 4 of…

Read More
Packaged meat after sealing in a double chamber vacuum machine.

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

Meat 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…

Read More
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 meat processing weights that processors use: live weight, hanging weight, and packaged weight. Whether you’re a processor or a customer…

Read More
A packaged ribeye steak with a Five Marys label.

Tips for Buying Meat from Local Producers and Processors

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

Read More
Butcher with blue gloves and a white smock holding seven beef steaks.

Where, How, To Whom? Thinking About Sales as an Independent Meat Processor

Meat processors are passionate about craft butchery and high-quality meat production, but some can overlook a key reality: where, how, and to whom will they…

Read More
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…

Read More