A Legacy of Sweet Success: The Standlee and Amalgamated Sugar Story

April 28, 2025

At Standlee, we’re committed to providing premium, nutritious forage and feed products that promote the health and performance of animals. That commitment extends to every ingredient we source—and it’s why our partnership with Amalgamated Sugar Company is so important.

A Strong Agricultural Partnership with Purpose

Amalgamated shares our values of quality, sustainability, and innovation. By working together, we have created a closed-loop system that transforms sugar beet byproducts into high-value nutrition for horses and livestock. This relationship not only helps reduce agricultural waste, but it also fuels our mission of supporting animal wellness from the ground up.

A Legacy of Innovation: The History of Amalgamated Sugar

One of the largest companies in the sugar beet industry, Amalgamated Sugar Company is approaching 128 years in business. Founded in 1897, it grew from the merger of Ogden Sugar and Logan Sugar in 1902. With roots in Utah, the company expanded to Twin Falls, Idaho, where it constructed its oldest still-operating factory. From the beginning, Amalgamated was focused on becoming a reliable sugar source for the growing U.S. population.

Key figures like J.R. Simplot recognized the potential of sugar beet farming in the Pacific Northwest. Although the company initially faced challenges like competition from sugar cane producers, it overcame them through innovation and farmer partnerships—eventually rising as a major player in the industry.

Growth Through Strategy and Technology

Amalgamated began as a single-factory processor but expanded rapidly during the 1920s–1940s through mergers and acquisitions. The 1950s–1970s saw further growth as new factories opened across the Western U.S., including Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. By the 2000s, Amalgamated became a subsidiary of Idahoan Foods, giving it even greater reach and resources.

The company has embraced cutting-edge sugar beet processing technologies to improve efficiency, increase output, and enhance product quality. Automation, modern refining systems, and innovations like sugar substitutes and specialty sugars have allowed Amalgamated to stay competitive while meeting evolving consumer preferences.

A Commitment to Quality from Seed to Sweetener

Amalgamated Sugar prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of purity, consistency, and safety across all stages of production. It begins with sustainable farming practices and close collaboration with local growers to ensure top-quality sugar beets.

The company’s state-of-the-art processing facilities use advanced equipment for extraction, refinement, and packaging—always with a focus on food safety and quality control. This dedication to excellence ensures that every product meets the expectations of customers and business partners like Standlee.

Sustainability at the Core

Environmental stewardship is a major focus for Amalgamated Sugar. The company employs renewable energy sources like wind and solar in its processing plants and uses water-efficient irrigation and recycling systems to reduce waste.

Beet pulp byproduct is transformed into animal feed, reducing landfill contributions and adding value to what would otherwise be discarded. Amalgamated also supports farmers in adopting eco-friendly practices and invests in agricultural research to explore new sustainable methods.

Building Stronger Communities

Amalgamated Sugar actively invests in the communities it serves. From farmer supported programs to educational sponsorships and rural development initiatives, the company is deeply connected to its agricultural roots. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also strengthen local economies and help advance sustainability in agriculture.

From Beet to Feed: How Standlee Uses Dried Pulp

At Standlee, we transform Amalgamated’s dried beet pulp into two convenient, high-quality products: Smart Beet Pellets and Smart Beet Shreds. These products support animal energy, digestion, hydration, and healthy weight gain with fiber-rich nutrition.

The process begins after sugar is extracted from the cleaned and sliced beets. The leftover pulp is dried to about 10% moisture, creating a stable and digestible feed. We take this pulp and craft it into our trusted products, designed to meet the needs of horses and livestock.

The Relationship That Fuels Innovation

Our relationship with Amalgamated Sugar began around 2007 and has since evolved into a powerful, circular partnership. What started as a supplier exchange has become a shared mission of sustainability, innovation, and quality.

This collaboration gave rise to Standlee’s Smart Carb product line, developed with Amalgamated’s support to meet the unique energy and digestive needs of horses. Together, we’ve created a system where agricultural byproducts are reimagined as vital feed solutions.

A Partnership for the Future

Together, Standlee and Amalgamated Sugar continue to grow and innovate, driven by shared values and a vision for a more sustainable future. From Smart Beet Shreds and Pellets to Smart Carb and beyond, our collaboration helps us transform what was once considered waste into something truly valuable for animals and the planet.

This partnership isn’t just about business—it’s about mutual success, trust, and building a better, more responsible agricultural future.