Featured Stories
RFA Celebrates Gov. Newsom's Signing of California E15 Bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 [Category: Energy] -- The Renewable Fuels Association posted the following news release:
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RFA Celebrates Gov. Newsom's Signing of California E15 Bill
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The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Senate Bill 795, the "E15 Clean-up Act," into law following the legislature's unanimous passage of the bill on August 31. The bill removes the final regulatory impediment that was preventing California retailers from offering lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 to eager customers, who are facing the highest gas prices in the nation.
"Governor
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 [Category: Energy] -- The Renewable Fuels Association posted the following news release:
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RFA Celebrates Gov. Newsom's Signing of California E15 Bill
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The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Senate Bill 795, the "E15 Clean-up Act," into law following the legislature's unanimous passage of the bill on August 31. The bill removes the final regulatory impediment that was preventing California retailers from offering lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 to eager customers, who are facing the highest gas prices in the nation.
"GovernorNewsom promised to remove the red tape that was blocking lower-cost E15 from reaching California consumers, and that's exactly what this bill does," said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. "Thanks to the governor's leadership and decisive action, California is closer than ever to lower gas prices and a cleaner future for families across the state. Dozens of other states have already seen the benefits of E15-healthier air, better engine performance, and cost savings at the pump. Now, California drivers are about to experience those same advantages for themselves, and we thank Gov. Newsom for voicing his support for E15 throughout the legislative process."
The bill, prepared in the wake of last year's unanimously supported legislation permitting E15 sales, allows retailers to use existing vapor recovery equipment to dispense E15 if the manufacturer of that equipment submits a statement of compatibility to the relevant state agencies.
Cooper also thanked the bill's principal authors, Sens. Bob Archuletta and Suzette Martinez Valladares, and Assemblymember David Alvarez, as well as the entire bipartisan California Problem Solvers Caucus for their leadership and commitment to reducing gas prices for California families.
Recent studies show E15 could save California drivers at least $2.7 billion annually, or $200 per household, and significantly cut the emissions of tailpipe pollutants that create smog and contribute to illness and disease.
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Original text here: https://ethanolrfa.org/media-and-news/category/news-releases/article/2026/09/rfa-celebrates-gov-newsom-s-signing-of-california-e15-bill
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Opens Public Review Period for Revised PHTA-13 Water Conservation Standard
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Opens Public Review Period for Revised PHTA-13 Water Conservation Standard
(Alexandria, Va.) -- The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, invites public review and comment on a proposed revision of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 American National Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency in Residential and Public Pools,
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) issued the following news release:
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September 18, 2026
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Opens Public Review Period for Revised PHTA-13 Water Conservation Standard
(Alexandria, Va.) -- The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, invites public review and comment on a proposed revision of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 American National Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency in Residential and Public Pools,Spas, Portable Spas and Swim Spas.
Public review is an essential part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus-development process. PHTA is an ANSI-accredited standards developer committed to developing standards through an open, balanced, and consensus-based process.
The proposed PHTA-13 Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency establishes requirements and identifies technologies that support the efficient use and conservation of water in residential and public pools, spas, portable spas, and swim spas equipped with filtration and circulation systems.
The revision reflects the pool and spa industry's continued commitment to responsible water stewardship as communities face increasing pressure on finite water resources. Its updated requirements provide practical minimum guidelines for conserving water without unnecessarily restricting pool ownership or operation.
"Reaching the public review stage is an important milestone for the PHTA-13 Standard Writing Committee and reflects the significant work that has gone into this revision," says Matthew Ryther, Chair of the PHTA-13 Standard Writing Committee. "Our goal was to develop a standard that is practical, understandable, and focused on responsible water conservation. I encourage everyone with an interest in the industry to review the draft and provide input."
New content developed by the PHTA-13 Standard Writing Committee includes requirements and guidance addressing evaporation mitigation, leak detection and response, water-conditioning devices, water reclamation and reuse, and other water conservation measures.
Nonmandatory best practices and additional water-saving measures previously included in the standard's appendices have been removed and will be published separately in a complimentary PHTA-13 Resource Guide.
The revision also improves coordination and consistency across PHTA standards by incorporating current references to ANSI/PHTA/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Hot Tubs/Spas, the authoritative source for applicable water quality requirements.
The proposed revision is available for a 45-day public review period. PHTA invites pool, spa, and hot tub professionals, as well as other materially affected and interested parties, to review the draft and submit comments for consideration.
The public review was announced in the September 18, 2026, edition of ANSI Standards Action (https://share.ansi.org/Shared%20Documents/Standards%20Action/2026-PDFs/SAV5738.pdf#page=15).
The public review draft and instructions for submitting comments are available on the PHTA public comment webpage (https://www.phta.org/standards-codes/get-involved/submit-public-comment/).
For additional information about the proposed standard, visit the PHTA-13 webpage, email standards@phta.org, or call (703) 838-0083.
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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members' professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.
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Original text here: https://www.phta.org/news-research/press-releases/2026-press-releases/pool-hot-tub-alliance-opens-public-review-period-for-revised-phta-13-water-conservation-standard/
[Category: Business]
NWTF Co-CEO Joins Outdoor Leaders at White House as President Signs Executive Orders Supporting Hunting and Fishing
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, Sept. 19 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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NWTF Co-CEO Joins Outdoor Leaders at White House as President Signs Executive Orders Supporting Hunting and Fishing
September 18, 2026
EDGEFIELD, S.C. -- National Wild Turkey Federation co-CEO Jason Burckhalter joined approximately 100 leaders from across the nation's hunting, fishing and shooting sports community Sept. 17 at the White House, where President Donald J. Trump hosted a Great American Outdoorsmen dinner in the Rose Garden celebrating America's outdoor heritage and
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EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, Sept. 19 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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NWTF Co-CEO Joins Outdoor Leaders at White House as President Signs Executive Orders Supporting Hunting and Fishing
September 18, 2026
EDGEFIELD, S.C. -- National Wild Turkey Federation co-CEO Jason Burckhalter joined approximately 100 leaders from across the nation's hunting, fishing and shooting sports community Sept. 17 at the White House, where President Donald J. Trump hosted a Great American Outdoorsmen dinner in the Rose Garden celebrating America's outdoor heritage andthe contributions of sportsmen and women to conservation.
"Hunters and anglers are among America's most committed conservationists, and the future of our wildlife and wild places depends on maintaining that connection to the outdoors," Burckhalter said. "The NWTF appreciates the opportunity to be part of this conversation and will continue working with policymakers, agencies and conservation partners to advance science-based wildlife management, healthy habitats and access to quality outdoor experiences."
The event marked the first time a celebration of America's sportsmen and women has been held in the White House Rose Garden. During the dinner, President Trump signed two executive orders focused on hunting and recreational fishing: "Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage" and "Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation."
For the NWTF, Burckhalter's participation provided an opportunity to represent the organization's members at an event centered on the connection between outdoor recreation, healthy wildlife populations, habitat conservation and access to the outdoors. Also among those in attendance was Richard Childress, longtime conservation advocate and member of the NWTF National Board of Directors.
The NWTF supports efforts that advance science-based wildlife management, healthy habitat and responsible access to public lands and waters. Those priorities are central to the organization's work with federal and state agencies, private landowners and other conservation partners across the country.
The executive order on hunting directs federal agencies to take a number of steps intended to expand opportunities for hunters and improve access to public lands and waters.
Among other provisions, the order directs the Department of the Interior to expand hunting opportunities on select federal lands where doing so would not put historic or scientific resources at risk. It also directs federal agencies to identify policies that unnecessarily prevent access to public lands for recreation, infrastructure repair and wildlife management.
The order also calls for agencies to pursue voluntary access easements, land exchanges and cooperative agreements that can help open checkerboarded and landlocked parcels while respecting private property rights. It directs the USDA Forest Service to review certain high-demand river access lotteries and calls for streamlining regulations associated with seasonal migratory game bird hunting.
For hunters with disabilities, the order directs agencies to consider the use of assistive technology on access trails and hunting locations. It also calls for federal agencies to work with states to align management practices and conservation plans in ways that promote healthy populations of game species.
The order further directs federal agencies to identify opportunities to encourage the next generation of hunters, including young Americans and veterans, and encourages states to increase wild game donations for schools, food banks and federal food assistance programs.
These priorities align with the NWTF's longstanding work to conserve wildlife habitat and populations while preserving hunting as an important component of North American conservation.
The second executive order, "Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation," focuses on recreational fishing, boating and the businesses and communities that depend on them.
The order directs federal agencies to review regulations that place unnecessary burdens on anglers, boaters and outdoor businesses. It also calls for agencies to evaluate multi-year permits with a presumption of renewal for qualifying operators, where permitted by law.
The order also directs the Department of Commerce to modernize recreational fisheries data collection, including transitioning from traditional mail-based surveys toward mobile electronic catch-reporting applications. It calls for a five-year strategic plan that incorporates recreational economic data into seasonal quota decisions and establishes a framework for real-time reporting of wildlife depredation.
While the order is focused on saltwater recreation, its broader emphasis on access, effective resource management and improved data collection reflects issues shared throughout the outdoor community.
These actions come just days before National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 26, an annual celebration of the contributions hunters and anglers have made to the nation's conservation legacy.
As federal agencies begin implementing the new executive orders, the NWTF will continue engaging with policymakers and conservation partners to support healthy wildlife populations, resilient landscapes and opportunities for Americans to experience the outdoors.
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About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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Original text here: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/nwtf-co-ceo-joins-outdoor-leaders-at-white-house-as-president-signs-executive-orders-supporting-hunting-and-fishing
[Category: Animals]
EAA Statement on September 18 NBAA Leadership Announcement
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Sept. 19 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following statement:
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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, September 18, 2026 -- Statement from Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association regarding today's announcement from the National Business Aviation Association and its President/CEO, Ed Bolen:
"EAA offers its best wishes to Ed Bolen and sends our hopes for a full recovery. While Ed rightly focuses on his health, NBAA is in good hands with its current experienced team. We also offer Dan Hubbard, Heidi Williams,
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OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Sept. 19 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following statement:
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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, September 18, 2026 -- Statement from Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association regarding today's announcement from the National Business Aviation Association and its President/CEO, Ed Bolen:
"EAA offers its best wishes to Ed Bolen and sends our hopes for a full recovery. While Ed rightly focuses on his health, NBAA is in good hands with its current experienced team. We also offer Dan Hubbard, Heidi Williams,and the rest of NBAA our continuing support as we continue to work together to advance and benefit aviation."
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About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/eaa-news-releases/nbaa-leadership-statement
[Category: Aerospace]
BOXABL Inc. (NASDAQ: BXBL) Joins Nasdaq Following SPAC Merger Approval, Bringing Factory-Built Housing Model to Public Markets
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Modular Building Institute posted the following news release from its affiliate BOXABL Inc.:
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BOXABL Inc. (NASDAQ: BXBL) Joins Nasdaq Following SPAC Merger Approval, Bringing Factory-Built Housing Model to Public Markets
BOXABL, an innovative technology construction company on a mission to solve the global housing crisis, is now trading on Nasdaq under the symbol BXBL. To date, BOXABL has raised over $230 million from more than 50,000 investors, indicating substantial public interest in its vision.
The transaction represents a significant milestone
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The Modular Building Institute posted the following news release from its affiliate BOXABL Inc.:
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BOXABL Inc. (NASDAQ: BXBL) Joins Nasdaq Following SPAC Merger Approval, Bringing Factory-Built Housing Model to Public Markets
BOXABL, an innovative technology construction company on a mission to solve the global housing crisis, is now trading on Nasdaq under the symbol BXBL. To date, BOXABL has raised over $230 million from more than 50,000 investors, indicating substantial public interest in its vision.
The transaction represents a significant milestonefor the company as it seeks to expand production of its factory-built housing platform while addressing growing demand for more affordable residential construction.
The Nasdaq listing represents the next stage in BOXABL's evolution from a privately funded startup into a growing publicly traded manufacturing company, placing greater emphasis on the company's ability to execute its production strategy at scale while operating under the financial transparency and performance expectations associated with public markets.
BOXABL aims to disrupt the traditional housing construction industry by delivering affordable, high-quality homes at an accelerated pace. The company has attracted attention through its approach to factory-built housing, which differs from traditional site-built residential construction. Rather than assembling homes at individual building sites, the company manufactures standardized housing units inside its Las Vegas production facility before transporting them in a folded configuration for installation at their final location.
Its flagship product, the Casita, is a 361-square-foot studio-style home equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and living area, designed to unfold on-site in under an hour. The unit is engineered to fold to highway-legal dimensions, allowing transportation without many of the specialized permits typically required for modular housing.
BOXABL is also broadening its product portfolio building upon its original Casita design. The company recently introduced the Baby Box, a smaller, 120-square-foot unit built to recreational vehicle standards that offers greater deployment flexibility in certain jurisdictions. Larger modular units remain under development and are intended to support townhomes, multifamily housing, hotels and mixed-use developments through stackable and connectable building designs.
Management believes factory production can reduce several inefficiencies associated with conventional construction, including weather delays, fragmented subcontractor coordination and inconsistent building schedules.
Unlike many traditional manufactured housing companies, BOXABL emphasizes automation and standardized manufacturing techniques similar to those used in advanced industrial production. The company's manufacturing campus now encompasses approximately 400,000 square feet, serving as the primary proving ground for its automated production system.
According to BOXABL, the company has completed installations across multiple states, including Nevada, California, Utah, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arizona and Texas. Management also reports that production efficiencies have contributed to a 43% reduction in manufacturing costs since 2022, supported by assembly-line improvements, automation initiatives and larger purchasing volumes.
Management believes additional automation and artificial intelligence can play an important role in improving factory efficiency, amid growing demand for affordable housing. The company has been incorporating AI and digital manufacturing technologies into production operations to optimize throughput, reduce defects and improve quality control, reflecting broader trends across advanced manufacturing sectors.
Management estimates the company's total addressable market at approximately $2.2 trillion, citing persistent housing shortages, annual residential demand and continuing affordability pressures that have resulted in an approximately shortfall of 5 million homes throughout the United States. Industry studies continue to estimate that millions of additional housing units are needed nationally, while elevated construction costs have complicated efforts to increase supply using conventional building methods. BOXABL believes factory-built modular construction can help address part of that imbalance by reducing construction timelines and improving manufacturing consistency.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.Boxabl.com.
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Original text here: https://www.modular.org/2026/09/18/boxabl-joins-nasdaq-following-spac-merger-approval/
[Category: Construction]
American Soybean Association Issues Letter to President Trump on U.S. Soybean Export Priorities for China
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Sept. 19 (TNSletter) -- The American Soybean Association issued the following letter to President Trump on the U.S. soybean export priorities for China:
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Here is the text of the letter:
September 17, 2026
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Trump:
As American soybean farmers head into the 2026 harvest season, thank you for your determination to expand and diversify export markets for U.S. farmers. On behalf of the American Soybean Association (ASA), I write to reaffirm our gratitude for the commitments secured last October
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Sept. 19 (TNSletter) -- The American Soybean Association issued the following letter to President Trump on the U.S. soybean export priorities for China:
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Here is the text of the letter:
September 17, 2026
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Trump:
As American soybean farmers head into the 2026 harvest season, thank you for your determination to expand and diversify export markets for U.S. farmers. On behalf of the American Soybean Association (ASA), I write to reaffirm our gratitude for the commitments secured last Octoberat the U.S.-China trade summit in Busan, South Korea.
Ahead of your meeting with President Xi in Washington, D.C., we ask that you build on the progress achieved since the Busan summit. As of September 11, ASA estimates 15.5 million metric tons (MMT) of U.S. soybeans have been ordered by Chinese buyers this season, compared to just 3.7 MMT at this time last year. The renewed purchase orders towards China's minimum commitment of at least 25 MMT of U.S. soybeans for this marketing year, as well as in each of the next two years, are certainly welcome news ahead of harvest, but a durable, long-term trade relationship with China will support greater market stability. Support for U.S. farmers and greater market stability with China would be facilitated by the following actions which we hope can be achieved as part of the meeting with President Xi.
First, we are very supportive of your team's proposal to establish a board of trade with China that would help ensure trade in non-sensitive goods continues, even as the U.S. and China deal with more sensitive trade issues. Soybeans need to be included in the list of non-sensitive goods.
Second, China still maintains a 10% retaliatory duty on U.S. soybean imports that does not apply to imports from Brazil or other South American nations. This duty should be eliminated so that U.S. soybeans are not discriminated against and can be purchased by commercial firms, not just Chinese state-owned enterprises.
Third, the one-year suspension of Section 301 port fees applied to Chinese ships is soon set to expire and we are concerned that any future implementation of port fees would be passed down to farmers and cause shipping disruptions, especially as the pause of the Section 301 port fees expires during the primary shipping window to China. We ask that steps be taken to ensure that Section 301 port fees will not disrupt or diminish U.S. export sales.
In summary, soybean farmers ask that you build on the momentum and success of previous meetings with President Xi by ensuring China fulfills its annual purchase commitments, seeking the elimination of tariffs and trade barriers that put U.S. soybeans at a competitive disadvantage to Brazil, and prioritizing a long-term agreement that supports consistency and predictability for U.S. soybean farmers. ASA applauds your commitment to bolstering market demand for U.S. soybeans at home and around the world. U.S. soybean farmers appreciate your attention to the agricultural industry in ongoing trade negotiations. Your efforts benefit not only U.S. soybean producers, but rural America overall. We look forward to additional positive outcomes from the upcoming trade summit with China.
Sincerely,
Scott Metzger, President, American Soybean Association
CC:
The Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary, United States Department of the Treasury
The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary, United States Department of Commerce
The Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture
The Honorable Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative
The Honorable Mike Crapo, Chairman, United States Senate Committee on Finance
The Honorable Ron Wyden, Ranking Member, United States Senate Committee on Finance
The Honorable John Boozman, Chairman, United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member, United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
The Honorable Jason Smith, Chairman, United States House Committee on Ways and Means
The Honorable Richard Neal, Ranking Member, United States House Committee on Ways and Means The Honorable Glen Thompson, Chairman, United States House Committee on Agriculture
The Honorable Angie Craig, Ranking Member, United States House Committee on Agriculture
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Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ASA-Letter-to-President-Trump-US-China-Trade-Summit.pdf
News Release here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/asa-urges-progress-on-soybean-trade-ahead-of-trump-xi-meeting/
American Feed Industry Association: Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota Facility Named 2026 Feed Facility of the Year
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release:
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Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota Facility Named 2026 Feed Facility of the Year
September 17, 2026
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs named Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota, Ill., facility as the 2026 Feed Facility of the Year. Each year, the award recognizes a feed facility that exemplifies excellence across its operations, including quality and safety, productivity, regulatory compliance, employee development and customer relations. The Feed Facility of
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 19 -- The American Feed Industry Association issued the following news release:
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Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota Facility Named 2026 Feed Facility of the Year
September 17, 2026
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs named Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota, Ill., facility as the 2026 Feed Facility of the Year. Each year, the award recognizes a feed facility that exemplifies excellence across its operations, including quality and safety, productivity, regulatory compliance, employee development and customer relations. The Feed Facility ofthe Year program also benefits the AFIA Equipment Manufacturers Committee (EMC) scholarship fund, helping invest in the education and development of the animal food industry's future leaders.
"Ridley Feed Ingredients' Mendota team has built a culture where safety, quality, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are part of everything they do," said Gary Huddleston, AFIA's senior director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. "Their strong employee involvement in continuous improvement and use of data to guide decision-making demonstrate the kind of leadership and commitment to excellence that this award is designed to recognize."
Under the leadership of facility manager Corey LaBarge, the Mendota facility produces more than 43,000 tons of feed ingredients and premixes annually for multiple animal species. Originally constructed in 1960, the facility has undergone numerous upgrades over the years to support its operations and continued growth. All tonnage produced at the facility is packaged.
The Mendota team has created a culture where employee safety, quality, operational excellence and customer satisfaction are inseparable. Employees are actively involved in continuous improvement initiatives, while the facility embraces data-driven decision making-through key performance indicators and trend analysis.
"Winning the Feed Facility of the Year award is a tremendous source of pride for our entire team," said LaBarge. "This recognition reflects the commitment our employees bring to the facility every day, from maintaining high standards for safety and quality to continuously looking for ways to improve our operations. It takes every member of our team working together to achieve this level of excellence, and we are proud to see the hard work recognized by the industry."
The AFIA and Feedstuffs would also like to extend congratulations to the following facilities in the 2026 Feed Facility of the Year program:
* Famo Feeds, Freeport, Minn. - semifinalist.
* Mountaire Farms, Candor, N.C. - semifinalist.
* Ridley Feed Ingredients, Mendota, Ill. - highest quality and food safety score.
* TransAgra International, Storm Lake, Iowa - semifinalist.
* Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Mineola, Texas - semifinalist.
* Western Milling, Goshen, Calif. - semifinalist and highest productivity and efficiency score.
* Westway Feed Products, Houston, Texas - semifinalist and highest employee safety score.
The AFIA has recognized excellence in feed manufacturing through the Feed Facility of the Year program since 1985. Beyond industry recognition, participating facilities receive comprehensive benchmarking reports that offer valuable insights into their performance compared with their peers and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Since 2024, proceeds from the program have supported the Equipment Manufacturers Committee scholarship fund, administered through the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), which provides scholarships to college students pursuing careers in the animal food industry. Learn more about the Feed Facility of the Year program at afia.org/FFY.
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Original text here: https://www.afia.org/news/news-release-items/ridley-feed-ingredients-mendota-facility-named-2026-feed-facility-of-the-year/
[Category: Agriculture]
