By Jamie Martin
Ohio soybean farmers are helping strengthen community safety through a new statewide initiative led by the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC). The organization recently introduced the Patrol With Soy program, which donates soy-based Goodyear tires to each of the 88 county sheriff’s departments across Ohio. The project highlights the growing role of soybeans in everyday products while supporting officers who serve local communities.
Sheriff departments in Crawford, Darke, Henry, Ross, Van Wert, and Wood Counties are among the first to receive the donated tire sets. According to OSC leaders, the goal is to combine innovation with community service by offering law enforcement officers access to tires made with advanced soy-based technology.
“We see this partnership and donation opportunity as a win-win,” said Steve Reinhard, OSC Board Member from Crawford County. “While it’s a benefit to Ohio farmers whenever we can showcase all the ways soybeans are being used, we really want our local law enforcement officers to have a product with the best technology available to keep them safe on the job.”
Through the program, each county will receive Goodyear Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires. These tires use soybean oil to replace some petroleum-based materials, improving flexibility in low temperatures and offering better traction during rain or snow. Departments also benefit from the cost-effective nature of soy-based components.
“We greatly appreciate the support from our farmers and are happy to have these tires on one of our patrol cars,” said Sheriff Marc Ruskey from Henry County. “It’s nice being able to use environmentally friendly and cost-effective products.”
Soy-based tires have been available nationwide since 2017, following a research partnership between Goodyear and the United Soybean Board. The use of soybean oil not only improves performance but also supports more efficient and sustainable manufacturing.
Ohio farmers plant nearly 5 million acres of soybeans each year, making market development a key priority.
“Ohio farmers plant almost 5 million acres of soybeans each year. The checkoff is focused on making sure there will always be a market opportunity for the soybeans planted in our state,” said OSC Executive Director Kirk Merritt. “Through this program, we hope to shine a spotlight on one of the biggest successes of the soybean checkoff and support the communities where our farmers live and work.”
The Patrol With Soy initiative will continue over the next two to three years until every county receives its donation, strengthening the relationship between farmers and law enforcement statewide.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: National