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Indiana Soybean Alliance donates soy-based tires to help support rural communities

The Indiana Soybean Alliance is donating soy-based Goodyear tires to several charitable organizations across the state as a way to give back to rural communities.

Chair Denise Scarborough says the donations support local needs and is another example of a new use for soybeans. 

“We had multiple entries this year and we were able to give out a set of tires to each district we have in the state,” she says. “It’s nice to know that there’s a product out there that can help us as farmers and help our rural communities out at the same time.”

She tells Brownfield Goodyear has partnered with the United Soybean Board to replace all of its petroleum-based tires by 2040.

“The biggest thing that we’re always looking for is how to move the pile,” she says. “Goodyear reports that soybean oil improves tire flexibility at lower temperatures and helps with weather to remain viable in colder temperatures.”

Scarborough says the program highlights how farmer checkoff investments continue to drive innovation and make a community impact.

The farmer nominated recipients include Spencer County Council on Aging, nominated by Derika Lynam-Spaetti of Richland, Ind.; Gaston Volunteer Fire Department, nominated by Jenna Scott of Muncie, Ind.; Greensburg Community Bread of Life, nominated by Mike Koehne of Greensburg, Ind.; and Clinton-Cass Volunteer Fire Department, nominated by Denise Scarborough of LaCrosse, Ind.

AUDIO: Denise Scarborough