Press Release

Soybean farmers will be heading into the fields over the next few months to harvest soybeans that will be used in everything from food to fuel, and with this new product, on the road.

The City of Sioux Falls and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (SDSR&PC) partnered to apply a soybean-based asphalt sealant to a portion of 57^th Street and on streets in a residential neighborhood on the east side of Sioux Falls.

“Our street network is our largest single asset in our city.” Said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “We’re looking for new innovative ways to provide sustainable and economically friendly solutions to maintaining our infrastructure in our cities and also our environment.”

When applied to the surface of an asphalt road, RePlay, a Bargen Inc. product, uses soybean oil as a binding agent to add flexibility, durability, grip, and longevity to the road. Previous applications have increased the life of asphalt up to seven years. Additionally, as a bio-based product, it is a safer and cleaner alternative to other asphalt sealants.

“We’re using a product made from soybeans grown just a few miles from here that’s used to help extend the life of roads. It’s helping soybean prices and helping soybean farmers create a demand for the soybean oil that is produced.” United Soybean Board Secretary David Iverson said.

Development of new uses of soybeans creates a larger demand for high-quality soybeans grown in South Dakota. SDSR&PC along with the United Soybean Board are dedicated to the research and development of these new uses and markets for farmers.

“This project brings value to this community while supporting farmers in the state.” Said SDSR&PC Chariman, Tim Ostrem. “Any time that we can partner with innovative people to invest our soybean checkoff dollars in future-forward projects, especially with rural and city partnerships, we call that a win for our growers.”