Tag: meat processor
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.
Posted February 26, 2026
Bear Mountain Beef 5 Years Later: From Startup to 1,000+ Head Per Year
A meat processor’s first year proves they can open their doors. Years two, three, four, and five prove whether the business can endure. This is…
Read More
Posted September 30, 2025
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…
Read More
Posted August 29, 2025
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…
Read More
Posted July 31, 2025
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
Posted June 30, 2025
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
Posted May 16, 2025
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 with…
Read More
Posted April 15, 2025
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
Posted March 17, 2025
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…
Read More
Posted February 28, 2025
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
Posted January 27, 2025
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…
Read More
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.
Posted February 26, 2026
Bear Mountain Beef 5 Years Later: From Startup to 1,000+ Head Per Year
A meat processor’s first year proves they can open their doors. Years two, three, four, and five prove whether the business can endure. This is…
Posted September 30, 2025
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…
Posted August 29, 2025
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…
Posted July 31, 2025
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…
Posted June 30, 2025
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…
Posted May 16, 2025
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 with…
Posted April 15, 2025
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…
Posted March 17, 2025
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…
Posted February 28, 2025
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…
Posted January 27, 2025
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…