Tag: Livingston Montana

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.


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…

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

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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…

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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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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…

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Friesla’s Founder & President interacting with Butcher Solutions’ Owner inside Friesla’s manufacturing facility.

Partner Story: Sierra Jepsen, Butcher Solutions

“Before COVID, you could call your local butcher and get a harvest slot the next week. But now you need to call a year in…

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Exterior view of a tan Friesla Modular Meat Processing System used by The Producer Partnership for meat processing on a ranch in Montana.

Client Story: The Producer Partnership

Think that opening a meat processing plant during a pandemic might be tough? Try starting the first nonprofit, federally-inspected meat processing plant in the United…

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