By Andi Anderson
A new soy-based innovation is making roads last longer and soybean farming more valuable. The Ohio Soybean Council has launched its first Soybased Asphalt Sealant Grant Program to promote sustainable road maintenance using soy-derived products.
The grant, funded by soybean checkoff dollars, helps counties and townships in Ohio adopt soy-based asphalt sealants. The goal is to increase soybean demand while supporting local infrastructure.
Kylie Hullbrook, policy and demand coordinator at the Ohio Soybean Council, explains that this program was created to invest in Ohio-grown soybean products and improve road quality.
Compared to traditional petroleum-based products, soy-based sealants reduce asphalt cracking and potholes, while improving road flexibility. Although they come with an upfront cost, they extend road life and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
The sealants are also proving competitive in public bids, often coming in as the lowest-cost option. This makes them ideal for local governments working with limited budgets. The Council allocated $20,000 for the 2025 grant cycle and saw higher-than-expected interest from municipalities, many of which had already used soy sealants before.
Projects eligible for funding focus on county and local roads, though future expansions may include broader infrastructure efforts. The Council’s efforts align with Ohio agriculture’s growing commitment to sustainability.
Soy-based products replace petroleum-based ones, making them more environmentally friendly and farmer-focused.
This initiative is supported by the Council’s Arable Research Lab and the Soy Transportation Coalition, which are exploring new uses like soy-based tires and bridge materials. To learn more, visit soybio-based.org.
A live demonstration of the soy asphalt sealant will take place on August 6 at Wright State Lake Campus, as part of the Ohio Soybean Association’s Hometown Tour.
Registration is open at soyohio.org. This event showcases how soybean innovation is driving progress in rural infrastructure.
Photo Credit: soybeans-for-forage
Categories: Ohio, General, Sustainable Agriculture