By Joseph L. Murphy
For Tony Mellenthin and his wife, Katie, soybean farming is more than just a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Tony’s family has grown soybeans for three generations in western Wisconsin. But recently, soybeans have entered the Mellenthin household in an entirely new way—through a nursery makeover highlighting the sustainable benefits of soybean-based products.
Tony’s connection to soybeans led him to the United Soybean Board as a farmer leader, where he crossed paths with Tracy Hutson, the well-known host of “Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition.” Hutson, who collaborates with the Board, became intrigued when Tony mentioned that he and Katie were expecting their third child. She immediately offered to redesign their nursery – an offer Tony initially thought was just polite conversation.
“A month later, Tracy asked me about it again, and I told her point-blank, ‘To be honest, Tracy, I thought you were doing one of those Midwest Nice things, where you offer and hope I don’t take you up on it,’” Tony recalls. “And she said, ‘No, I meant it 100%.’”
Taking Hutson up on her offer, the couple was amazed as she transformed their nursery using products derived from the soybean crop Tony’s family has farmed for generations. Soybean-based products, known for being a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products, were at the heart of the makeover. These products support family farms like the Mellenthins, promote healthier soil and reduce carbon emissions when used as biodiesel.
What started as a nursery makeover quickly expanded. After learning more about the Mellenthin’s two daughters, ages five and one, Hutson also extended her redesign to their rooms.
“I thought it was going to just be the one room, but by the time I started really thinking about it, thinking about their other little girls, I thought I just had to remake rooms for all of them,” Hutson says. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Hutson arrived in Eau Galle in February to bring her vision to life. The Mellenthins stayed out of the rooms until the big reveal, trusting Hutson’s expertise.
Hutson enjoyed the opportunity to source sustainable products in the reimagined spaces.
“The soybean has so many diverse uses – it’s really remarkable,” Hutson notes. “There are so many products, from building materials to lotions to nail polish.”
The Mellenthin family – including their newborn son and brother – are enjoying their remodeled spaces compliments of U.S. Soy.
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