After more than 20 years in the meat processing industry, Casey Klein’s long-held dream of opening his own meat shop became reality in July with the opening of Klein Fresh Meats in Minot.
Lewis & Clark Development Group was on hand to celebrate alongside Klein, his family, and his employees. The project marks another successful meat-processing business financed through the Northern Plains Food Infrastructure Fund (NPFIF).
Administered by LCD Group and funded by a multi-million-dollar USDA Rural Development grant, NPFIF serves meat processors across North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota to expand consumer choices and strengthen regional food supply chains.
“We all saw during the pandemic the detrimental effects of years of consolidation in the U.S. meat industry,” says LCD Group Executive Director Brent Ekstrom. “This fund seeks to level the playing field for small, independent meat processors like Casey, consumers, and regional meat producers who need reliable processing partners.”
Bridging the Gap to Ownership
Fulfilling the intent of NPFIF, Klein Fresh Meats – like most meat processors – serves a region, in this case, north-central North Dakota and surrounding areas. NPFIF funds enabled Klein to purchase and convert a prime retail location at 1720 South Broadway. Today, his USDA-inspected retail store and butcher shop offers fresh-cut meats, ready-to-cook meal solutions, smokehouse favorites, deli items, and grocery essentials.
“The NPFIF provides the critical bridge to ownership for butchers like Casey by providing financing on favorable terms to encourage local meat processors to either start a business or scale their existing operations,” says Chris Masse, an NPFIF loan officer at LCD Group.
The fund supports equipment purchases, facility upgrades, and real estate acquisition.
“We’re excited to serve the Minot community and build a business rooted in quality, family, and tradition,” says owner Casey Klein. “Financing from Lewis and Clark Development Group helped make our vision a reality. We look forward to feeding residents and serving the region for many years to come.”
Learn More: For more information about Klein Meats, visit kleinfreshmeats.com. Processors, economic development officials, lenders, and community leaders interested in learning more about NPFIF financing are encouraged to contact Chris Masse at (701) 667-7602 or chris@lcdgroup.org, or visit northernplainsfif.com.
