By Blake Jackson
On November 4, 2025, the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) presented testimony before the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue in support of Senate Bill 474.
The proposed legislation seeks to make fire suppression products derived from soybeans eligible for funding under the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire suppression grant program.
Currently, the DNR provides grants covering up to 50% of costs related to equipment, supplies, and training for forest fire suppression. Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), SB 474 would expand “eligible costs” to include the purchase of soy-based firefighting materials-linking Wisconsin’s agricultural innovation to public safety efforts.
WSA President Doug Rebout spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing that it promotes environmentally friendly, cutting-edge products developed from Wisconsin-grown soybeans.
The committee also heard testimony from David Garlie, Chief Technology Officer at Cross Plains Solutions, who detailed the science behind SoyFoam a firefighting foam made from soybeans.
Garlie highlighted that SoyFoam is PFAS-free, fluorine-free, biodegradable, non-toxic to wildlife, non-corrosive, and safe for firefighters to handle. It leaves no harmful chemical residues in groundwater, addressing growing environmental concerns over traditional firefighting foams.
Chris Turner, a firefighter and fire science instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College, also endorsed the legislation, noting SoyFoam’s proven effectiveness and safety benefits for fire crews and communities alike.
The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board has invested in research to expand value-added, sustainable uses for soybeans. SB 474 reflects that mission encouraging innovation that enhances public safety, supports local farmers, and advances Wisconsin’s leadership in agricultural technology.
Photo Credit: istock-ds70
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Soybeans, Government & Policy