Tire Grant has Mandan Fire Department Riding on Soy

“As you know, everything seems to be very expensive right now, and tires are no exception,” says Shane Weltikol, Mandan Fire Department battalion chief. “Our department had already maxed out our maintenance budget for 2023. The timing of this grant opportunity fit perfectly with our engine tire needs. Mandan Fire sincerely appreciates the North Dakota Soybean Council’s generosity. The grant has enabled us to purchase a new set of tires that we can rely on to get us to and from a fire scene safely.”

The NDSC is providing grants, up to $1,000 per organization, for the purchase of Goodyear soy-based tires for first responders across the state. The board wants to give back to their communities, while also supporting the various uses for soybeans.

“These grants provide an excellent opportunity to give back to first responders and show off the many uses North Dakota agricultural products play in our everyday lives,” says Jennifer Meyer, NDSC director and soybean producer from Wilton.

Since 2017, Goodyear, supported by United Soybean Board soy checkoff investments, has released seven lines of tires with soybean oil compounds. The Akron, Ohio-based company has increased its use of soybeans by 73% since 2018, according to the company, and pledged to fully replace all of its petroleum-driven oils with soybean oil by 2040.

Morton County produced 1,507,000 bushels of soybeans in 2022. Farmers in the county planted 54,900 acres and harvested 54,400 acres of soybeans.

“The soy checkoff continues to conduct research and partner with industry to find new ways to utilize soybean oil,” says Shireen Alemadi, NDSC outreach and education coordinator. “With these grants, we’re able to help the promotion of our soybeans, but most importantly help our community, which is very rewarding.”

North Dakota soybean farmers across the state are represented on the North Dakota Soybean Council Board, which oversees a promotion, research and marketing program funded by soybean checkoff dollars. The Council’s mission is to effectively invest and leverage North Dakota soy checkoff resources to maximize the benefits of North Dakota soy. The Council is organized by North Dakota State law.

For more information and to apply for NDSC’s Soy Tire Grant for First Responders, visit www.bit.ly/NDSCsoytiregrant

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North Dakota Soybean Council Director Jennifer Meyer of Wilton, right, along with Firefighter Carter Hanson, left, and Training Officer Andrew Beck, middle, showcase new Goodyear soy-based tires on Mandan’s fire engine.

Mandan Fire Crew