Tag: USDA-inspected facility

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.


The meat processing equipment, sanitization system, three basin sink, wall-mounted shelves, and ceiling-mounted evaporators in a Friesla Cut and Package Module.

SBA Manufacturing in America E2G Grant: Requirements, Eligibility & Application Steps

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced up to $50 million in funding through its Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow (E2G) Grant Initiative…

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

Client Story: Harrison Harvesting

“COVID shined a light on how we had neglected our food chain, and it also shined a light on where our whole [meat processing] system…

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A butcher breaks down a beef carcass in the Cut and Package Module of a Friesla Meat Processing System.

Meat Processing Plant Sizes & Where Friesla Fits

The meat processing industry has consolidated dramatically over the past several decades, moving from local and regional systems to a highly centralized model—even though small…

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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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Butchers transfer quartered beef carcasses from a Friesla Mobile Harvest Unit into The Meating Place Butcher Shop.

Client Story: The Meating Place

The Meating Place is helping bring back the tradition of independent butcher shops that were once staples in communities across America. Consumers had access to…

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An interior view of the guillotine door and other harvest equipment in the Processing Room in a Friesla Harvest Module.

USDA Announces $123 Million to Expand Meat & Poultry Processing

USDA Rural Development announced the availability of $123 million in grant funding for meat processors through Phase 2 of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion…

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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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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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Beef half carcass tagged with lot and traceability number hanging in a cooler.

Explained: 4 Types of Inspection for Meat Processors

There are many steps to moving a finished animal from pasture or feedlot to steak on a plate. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates…

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