Soy powered tires boost safety and support local law enforcement
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) has launched a unique program to support both farmers and local law enforcement. Through its new Patrol With Soy initiative, OSC will donate a set of soy-based Goodyear tires to each of the 88 county sheriff’s departments across Ohio. The effort highlights how soybeans are increasingly used in everyday products and demonstrates strong community support from Ohio’s farming sector.
Tire deliveries have already begun, with sheriff offices in Crawford, Darke, Henry, Ross, Van Wert, and Wood Counties receiving their first sets. OSC leaders say the program is designed to help officers stay safe while also showing how soybeans contribute to modern 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.”
Each county will receive Goodyear Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires, which are made with soy-based rubber compounds instead of traditional petroleum ingredients. This bio-based material improves flexibility in cold weather, strengthens traction on wet or snowy roads, and offers a cost-effective choice for departments managing tight budgets.
“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 first entered the national market in 2017 through a research partnership between Goodyear and the United Soybean Board. The use of soybean oil not only enhances tire performance but also improves manufacturing efficiency, helping create a more sustainable product overall.
Ohio farmers plant nearly 5 million acres of soybeans each year, and programs like this help strengthen demand for the crop.
“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 program will continue over the next several years until all 88 counties receive their donated tire sets.