Patrolling with soy
July 24, 2024 | Jeff Hutton
On average, deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) patrol 200 miles of roadway in Marshall County daily. That equates to more than 35,000 miles on their patrol vehicles annually.
And over the past 10 months, three vehicles within the MCSO’s fleet have implemented the use of Goodyear Eagle Enforcer tires – all weather tires that feature soybean oil in the tire tread compound. This tread compound helps to deliver superior traction in a variety of weather conditions while enhancing tread life and reducing petroleum usage when compared to other tires. The inclusion of soybean oil in the tread compound results in an approximately 45% reduction in petroleum-based oil compared to its predecessor.
“These tires have performed really well for us,” says MCSO Chief Deputy Ben Veren. “Considering the different weather conditions we operate in and with the type of driving that we engage in, the tires have held up very well. And with the type of work we do, we need reliable tires.”
Benefitting law enforcement
In early 2023, in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) equipped three Ankeny Policy Department (APD) vehicles with sets of the Goodyear tires. That was followed up this past September by the installation of three more sets of the tires for the MCSO.
The six sets of tires provided to the MCSO and APD was made possible through checkoff investments. Goodyear championed the use of soybean oil in its tire products back in 2017, calling it a “naturally derived, cost-effective, carbon-neutral and renewable tire technology.”
The company created the soybean oil-based tread compound which keeps the tire rubber flexible in changing temperatures, a key performance achievement in maintaining and enhancing grip between the vehicle and the road surface.
“Farmer investment and support in the research and development of new products containing soybeans continue to generate significant wins for consumers, the environment and our industry,” says ISA Past President Randy Miller. “The use of soybean oil in tires is a perfect example of our checkoff dollars driving sustainable innovation and partnership.”
Veren says his law enforcement agency was and remains grateful to have been selected for this endeavor.
“It’s been nice to have these American-made soy oil-based tires to help us take care of our duties out on the road,” says Veren, adding the donation from ISA has proven a critical component in his office’s mission to safeguard and protect the public.
“We thank the Iowa Soybean Association, Goodyear and McAtee Tire Sales & Service in Marshalltown for making this happen,” he says.
Successful Efforts
Veren says three vehicles were selected for the new tires – two Dodge Durango SUVs and a Dodge Charger cruiser.
After 10 months in use, Veren says MCSO deputies have been impressed with the soy-based tires.
“They seem to do very well with all types of weather, in rain or snow, or hot and dry,” he says.
“One thing we have noticed is that because we turn around quite frequently, whether it’s working traffic enforcement or going on an emergency call, we have to spin around and go back in the other direction,” Veren says. “Because of that, sometimes you see a lot of wear and tear on the edge of the tires. But with the soy-based tires, despite the constant turning or higher speeds, we’re not getting that edgewear. They’ve been very good tires.”
Because of that, Veren says the MCSO is looking at expanding the use of soy-based tires within its patrol fleet.
“These tires have held up really well,” he says. “Thanks to the ISA, Goodyear and MacAtee Tire, this has been a great program. We’re very satisfied and now we’ll be looking to transition to those tires for all our vehicles.
“The bonus in all of this, is that while it helps us, it also means we can continue supporting Iowa soybean producers as well.”
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