New locker plant to open on Friday in Henning

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Ken Seizmore and Angie Johnson are on a mission to their healthy and unique blend of Wagyu beef to people across the region. As the owners of Angie’s Acres, which is Minnesota’s only full-blood DNA-tested Akaushi cattle from the Wagyu family of beef, the husband-and-wife team hope they can provide quality and a healthier version of beef at an affordable price.

After opening Angie’s Acres near Aitkin, Minn. just three years ago, Seizmore and Johnson have rapidly grown to the point where they are hoping to expand to processing their own meat as a way to keep their costs down for not only themselves, but their growing list of customers as well.

“Our biggest thing is feeding people good, quality beef and pork. It is very, very big to us,” said Seizmore. “The biggest reason we wanted to do (processing) is to make (the beef) affordable.”

Tired of unexpected changes in the processing industry, the husband-and-wife team of Seizmore and Johnson began looking at processing plants they could purchase or build across northern and west central Minnesota. 

“I was looking at one in Hibbing because we have a lot of cattle and I’m tired of all of the processing ups and downs,” said Seizmore.

That plant didn’t come to fruition, but they came across the vacant locker plant in Henning that was an opportunity they could not overlook. 

In addition to their blend of Wagyu beef, Angie’s Acres also provides ranch-raised Angus, F1 beef and iberico pork.

American Akaushi cattle are a distinguished breed known for exceptional beef quality. Originating from Japan, Akaushi (meaning “red cow”) cattle produce beef with consistent marbling, leading to a tender, flavorful experience. The cattle are carefully bred to maintain the integrity of their pure genetics. Through sustainable and humane ranching practices, the cattle are raised to produce a superior quality product. 

“We wanted affordable healthy beef to give to our customers and that is why we got into the Wagyu world. We know it is better and more healthy,” said Seizmore. 

There are numerous health benefits since the beef is rich in monounsaturated fats and packed with essential nutrients, making Wagyu a premium choice for health-conscious consumers and people looking for a premium cut of meat.

Located in Aitkin, Minn., Angie’s Acres started with a little farm store in their garage just a few years ago, “which is still very, very popular,” said Seizmore.

“We just really got started selling our own beef three years ago,” said Seizmore. “Through our growth, one of the things we wanted was a slaughterhouse so we bought the Henning plant.”

In addition to a plant in Henning, Seizmore and Johnson are building a new locker plant in the town of Palisade, Minn., to provide yet another way to get their Wagyu family of beef to the masses. 

The Palisade City Meats and Processing in Henning will be open six days a week and will officially open its doors on Friday, March 27. In addition to selling the beef and pork raised on Angie’s Acres, the Henning plant will offer custom processing for local farmers and residents, a smoker and smoked goods. They will have a large display case of items that can be purchased over the counter. 

“We are going to be the ones who help the farmer get it in, get it processed and help the farmer get it where it needs to go,” said Seizmore. 

For more information about the Palisade City Meats and Processing in Henning, stop by the store at 510 Fergus Ave. or call 548-5015.