Magna to produce stall bedding

Frank Stronach's Magna Entertainment Corp. has expanded its equine activities to the production of bedding for horse stalls. The company announced Monday that it has built a a plant in Lumberton, N.C., to manufacture a pellet form of straw to be sold under the brand name STREUfex.

The Stronach-owned Palm Meadows facility this year allowed only STREUfex bedding in its stalls. The Lumberton facility will process locally grown straw into pellets that will be sold by the bag, according to Jack Brothers, a manager in Stronach's Adena Springs Farm operation. The pellets are designed to break down for easy management and better composting, Brothers said, adding, "It works almost like kitty litter."

The Lumberton plant will hold an open house on July 28 starting at 10 a.m., and Magna has established two advisory panels, one of trainers and the other of veterinarians, "to assist in the continued development and improvement" of the new bedding, according to a company release.