The Cole County Sheriff’s Department is putting soy technology to work with new tires from Goodyear.
Tires that are environmentally friendly, meet high performance standards and support Missouri’s number one agricultural crop are rolling in the capital city. They’re from Goodyear’s soy-based lines, where a portion of the tires’ petroleum content is replaced by renewable soybean oil. The Cole County Sheriff’s Department is now 9 months into testing a set designed specifically for law enforcement.
“Developing new uses for soy while simultaneously addressing challenges our partners face is key to realizing the bright future for Missouri’s top crop, soybeans,” said Kyle Durham, a farmer and chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council board of directors. “The soy-based tires are an exciting example of the innovation we’re proud to drive through farmers’ investments in their soy checkoff, and we appreciate the partnership from law enforcement in putting this technology to work.”
The Cole County Sheriff’s Department purchased a set of Goodyear Eagle Enforcer tires in size 245/55/18. The Department installed those tires July 30, 2020, on a 2019 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle used by a deputy for traffic enforcement, community assistance and emergency response. A second set of the soy-based tires was installed on another Dodge Charger this spring, as well.
“The first set of Goodyear Eagle Enforcer tires currently has 22,000 miles of service, with no reported issues,” said Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler. “This has been a positive experience, and we expect to continue with the soy-based tires.”
The Department averages 25,000 miles per year on patrol vehicles, rotates tires regularly and replaces tires after 40,000 miles. The Department is currently considering adding a third set of the soy-based tires to their trial, to be installed on a Ford Police Interceptor. The Goodyear Eagle Enforcer soy-based tires have been available in a limited range of sizes since 2019, promoted through a partnership with the United Soybean Board, soybean farmers and the soy checkoff. The Eagle Enforcer tire is designed specifically for law enforcement use, combining the traction and tread-life benefits of the soy-based tire with performance features necessary for demanding operating conditions.
In June 2020, staff from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council met with the Cole County Sheriff’s Department to discuss the availability of the soy-based tires and share other law enforcement teams’ experiences. In addition to the Eagle Enforcer line, Goodyear also offers the soy-based technology in their Assurance WeatherReady and high-performance Eagle Exhilarate tires. Learn more about those products at mosoy.org/soytires.
The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization working to improve opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers though a combination of research, outreach, education and market development efforts supported by the soy checkoff. Learn more online by exploring mosoy.org.