A trans-fat-free variety of soybean is finding a new use

Posted on December 21, 2020
Doug Winter, a soybean farmer near Mill Shoals in southeastern Illinois and a member of the United Soybean Board, says new uses for soybean products include two brands of running shoes. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Soybeans. Is there anything they can’t do?

One advance is as near as what’s on your feet.

“Skechers and Okabashi shoes have begun incorporating high oleic soybean oil into their shoes. They found out that it gives them a better grip, better durability, particularly in some of their running shoes,” said Doug Winter, who farms near Mill Shoals in southeastern Illinois. “It’s been a very beneficial area for us to do research in to find new uses,” particularly as yields continue to go up.

The high oleic oil is a relatively new soy product, free of trans fats.

Soybeans have long been versatile, even being used in license plates during World War II. And, legend has it, livestock found the plates to be a tasty snack.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…