Driving Soy

A Checkoff Success
Because of soybean checkoff investments, Goodyear was able to develop four lines of tires made with soybean oil.

Giving Back
Minnesota farmers are giving back this summer, donating a set of soy-based tires to their respective county sheriffs' department.

Going Green
The use of soybean oil reduces dependence on petroleum oil, as well as improves overall performance.

Driving Soy through community donations

From the seed bed to tire tread, Minnesota soybean farmers are DRIVING SOY this summer by embarking on a statewide campaign to give back to their local communities by donating sets of soy-based tires to their sheriffs’ department, all while driving further demand for soybeans grown right here in Minnesota. Now that’s treading new ground.

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Nominate a nonprofit

Minnesota supports more than 30,000 nonprofits across the state. Nonprofits are essential, and employ about 14% of the state’s workforce. Whether it’s a food bank, an athletic organization, a homeless shelter or health care provider, nonprofits need our help more than ever. Tell us about a nonprofit organization in your community – and how it impacts your area – and explain how it could benefit from a new set of soy-based tires. The application runs through August 27. Participate today and help keep your local nonprofit rolling by Driving Soy.

Nomination Form

Ready to roll

The United Soybean Board's partnership with Goodyear dates back to 2011 when the company began looking at alternative, sustainable oils for its tires.

Funded by soybean checkoff investments, it took three years of research and development before commercialization was reached in 2014, and three more years before the debut of Assurance Weather Ready’s soybean-oil tread compound. To date, there are four lines of soy-based tires available for purchase.

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Open soybean field at sunset.Soybean field .

Soy-based tires: a checkoff success.

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-Bob Woloszynek, a chemist and Goodyear’s chief engineer of global raw materials and technology

“We’re always looking for new materials and technology that can improve the tire performance. Considering its abundance in the U.S., soybean oil was the perfect place to start.”

BENEFITS OF SOY-BASED TIRES

Increases demand for soybean oil

Continuing to create demand by finding new markets and commercialized products for soybean oil is a priority for Minnesota soybean farmers and the investment of their checkoff dollars.

Lowers dependence on petroleum oil

By using soybean oil in the tire compound, Goodyear reduces petroleum-based use by between 42 and 62%, ultimately cutting energy consumption and promoting sustainability while increasing efficiency.

Improves overall performance of tires

Using soybean oil in the tread compound creates a low glass transition temperature, helping to improve tire flexibility. This also provides better traction in colder temperatures.

Overview
This summer, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the state’s 44 organized counties are “Driving Soy” by utilizing Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s line of soy-oil tires to highlight value-added products while also giving back to law enforcement agencies in their communities.

flashing and siren of the police car with vintage effect

Community Donation
Each of Minnesota’s 44 organized soybean counties will have the chance to donate a full set of Goodyear’s Eagle Enforcer All Weather tires – designed specifically for first responder vehicles stationed in all-season climates like Minnesota – to their county sheriff’s department.

A Grassroots Approach
Minnesota is the only state in the country to support grassroots county-level soybean boards.

A Checkoff Priority
The Driving Soy campaign is aimed at amplifying the checkoff's mission of improving farmer profitability through innovation and value-added uses of soybeans.

About the Checkoff
Every time a Minnesota soybean farmer sells soybeans, one half of one percent of the market price is checked off. Half of the checkoff is utilized by Minnesota, while the other half is utilized by the United Soybean Board. None of these dollars can be used for legislative or lobbying activities.

Contact information

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
151 Saint Andrews Court Suite 710
Mankato, MN 56001

About MSR&PC

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 28,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.

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