MN Beef Council names Morgan’s Meat Market as the 2025 Retail Beef Backer

MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. – Each year, the Minnesota Beef Council proudly recognizes a Minnesota retailer for its outstanding commitment to excellence in beef promotion. This year’s 2025 Minnesota Retail Beef Backer Award goes to Morgan’s Meat Market of Waseca, Minnesota, a family-owned establishment whose legacy and innovation have made them a pillar of Minnesota’s beef industry.

Founded by Dean and Barb Morgan in 2003, Morgan’s Meat Market has long served as a cornerstone for the communities it serves. From its origins in New Richland to its current home in Waseca, the market has built a reputation for providing top-quality, locally sourced beef products. With a wide selection of hand-cut steaks, expertly seasoned beef jerky, summer sausages, and signature snack sticks, their dedication to craftsmanship and flavor is second to none.

Their success is also a story of resilience and innovation. After a catastrophic flood in 2012 destroyed their original shop, the Morgans rebuilt from the ground up. In 2020, at the height of pandemic-fueled demand, they transitioned their operations to Waseca, returning to the shop where Dean first began meat cutting in 1986. The move allowed them to expand, improve workflow, and become a USDA-inspected facility. Today, they produce 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of beef snack sticks daily, with further expansion on the horizon.

Their signature beef jerky has become a standout product, earning national recognition by being selected as the official beef jerky partner for a premier professional sports organization, placing beef in the spotlight across the country.

“Our team is incredibly honored to receive this year’s Beef Backer Award,” said Dean Morgan. “This recognition means so much to our family, and we remain committed to supporting Minnesota’s beef producers and delivering the best possible products to our customers.”

Beyond products, Morgan’s Meat Market excels in community engagement and customer education. Their staff shares cooking tips and product knowledge both in-store and through social media, building trust and helping customers discover new beef options.

They also actively compete yearly in a variety of beef product competitions, including the Minnesota State Fair, where they’ve earned more than 200 awards and three Best of Show honors, further highlighting their excellence in the field.

Morgan’s Meat Market received an engraved plaque to commemorate their award, now proudly displayed in their Waseca location. You can check out their meat market on their website at morgansmeatmarket.net and follow them on Facebook.

Any independent or chain retailer based in Minnesota is eligible to apply for the Retail Beef Backer Award. Retailers may enter themselves or be nominated by customers, vendors, or community members.

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About the Minnesota Beef Council

The Minnesota Beef Council was established in 1967 and is funded and managed by beef farmers and ranchers. Through the Beef Checkoff Program, $1 is obtained for every head of cattle sold. The council utilizes promotion, research, and education to strengthen beef demand and improve the marketing climate of beef. To learn more, visit mnbeef.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Minnesota Beef.