Tire Grant has St. John’s First Responders Riding on Soy

“Since we’re a small department with limited funds, this grant is very helpful to us,” says Michael Hanlan, vice president of St. John First Responders. “Our ambulance needed new tires.”

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.

“The first responders, fire departments and ambulance services that are provided in our rural areas are second to none,” says Chris Brossart, NDSC chairman and soybean producer from Wolford. “These individuals are the real heroes, and we’re excited to be able to give back and help these organizations. This grant is a fantastic way we can show our support just as they support each and every one of us!”

Since 2017, Goodyear, supported by United Soybean Board and 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.

Rolette County produced over 1.769 million bushels of soybeans in 2022. Farmers in the county harvested 52,800 acres of soybeans last year.

“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 Chairman Chris Brossart, right, along with Michael Hanlan, vice president of St. John First Responders, left,
showcase new Goodyear soy-based tires on St. John’s ambulance.