By Jamie Martin
The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) highlighted the real-world benefits of soybean checkoff investments at Fitchburg Fire Station No. 1. The event focused on SoyFoam TF1122, a PFAS-free firefighting foam developed from soy and other agricultural materials.
WSMB used checkoff dollars to support certification testing at Chippewa Valley Technical College and promoted SoyFoamTM across Wisconsin. The Fitchburg Fire Department received the first “golden ticket” package, which included a full pallet from SoyFoam.
“SoyFoam is an innovative product made from soybeans,” said WSMB President Jonathan Gibbs. “Our board invested soy checkoff money into the certification testing of SoyFoam because we believe in this product and the benefits it provides to our firefighters and to our communities.”
“This innovative product is going to address a critical need in the fire service and hazardous materiel response arena,” said Fitchburg Fire Chief Scott Sarver. “For years, we've been looking for a foam that can do what this product is going to do for us.”
The event illustrated how soybean farmers support research, product testing, and commercialization to create innovations beyond traditional markets.
“They can’t work on policy. We can,” said Wisconsin Soybean Association President Doug Rebout. “While they invested in this product with soybean checkoff money, WSA leaders recognized we needed the help of our legislators to get this product to our fire departments through an already existing program in the state. These are the ways we can help our farms and our local communities.
State Sen. Melissa Ratcliff attended, showing the role of policymakers in connecting farm innovations to community needs.
For Wisconsin soybean farmers, SoyFoam demonstrates that soy has practical uses outside the farm gate. Investments in products like SoyFoam advance public safety, support communities, and promote environmental stewardship.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-soybean-marketing-board
Categories: National