by Mari Radtke
Friedrichsen Meat Company of Sutherland, Iowa, began operations in 2022. Will and Macey Friedrichsen’s local business started part-time and quickly grew into a full-time operation. Will and Macey took advantage of government incentives to increase competition in the meat production industry after COVID devastated numerous industries. Food production capacity has been a key focus in the economic recovery. Will and Macey’s business investments are benefiting well from economic recovery incentives.
Friedrichsen Meat Company is a local butcher shop that specializes in custom meats for farmers and hunters. The shop also offers a variety of beef, pork and chicken cuts, as well as its own meat products.
Selected dry goods and grill accessories are special products. The sauces and seasonings offered are all Iowa products.
The business has done so well in its first two years that it’s already time for an expansion. Construction is already underway on a 1,400-square-foot building to the east. The new space will utilize and expand the existing retail space. Macey says their goal is to create a retail space that offers “Made in Iowa” food. The new addition will include a new smokehouse. This equipment will allow for the in-house production of beef sticks and other smoked meat products.
The existing retail and office space will be converted into additional processing space. The additional processing space will double the beef processing capacity and triple the pork processing capacity. Will adds: “Additional warehouse space would be great too.”
There is a neat little feature already being used in retail. It is a dry-ager. The dorm-sized glass fridge has no humidity and a consistently cool temperature. Three prime ribs were hung there and aged for 45-50 days. After aging, they are cut into ribeye steaks, packaged and prepared for retail sale. This should be a very attractive additional feature.
The couple hopes to have the new premises operational by December of this year.
There are still a few free slaughter places this year, but they are quickly filled. Appointments are being accepted for 2025.
The expansion of the production area will also create new jobs. Macey recommends checking her Facebook page for job openings.