by Kim Gasuras, Freelance | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
BUCYRUS — Crawford County Treasurer Steve Reinhard has been named a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient by the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, recognizing his leadership in agriculture and public service.
“I am honored that I was one of the alumni chosen for the award,” Reinhard said after returning home from a recent trip to the United Kingdom, where he spoke about expanding markets and new uses for soybeans. Reinhard said innovation continues to drive the soybean industry forward. “There are so many new uses for soybeans,” he said. “We recently donated tires, made with soybeans, to Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent.”
The donation of a new set of Goodyear Eagle, All Weather tires are currently in use on D.A.R.E. Deputy Chris Martin’s cruiser after being installed by Schieber’s Auto Care in Galion. According to a social media post in October of 2025 by Sheriff Scott Kent, he thanks the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio soybean farmer checkoff dollars for supporting law enforcement with this type of innovative donation. Kent said the tires, which are made in Ohio, will provide pursuit-rated traction and year-round durability.
Beyond tires, Reinhard said soybean-based products are expanding into other industries. “PFAS-free firefighting foam is another new use along with foam for seating in vehicles,” he said. “Other new uses for soybeans include adhesive, lubricants, paints, artificial turf and even asphalt.”
Reinhard, a 1991 graduate of Ohio State with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and agricultural education, farms near Bucyrus with his brother, Tim. Together they manage nearly 1,300 acres of soybeans, corn, wheat and other crops. In addition to farming, Reinhard has served in numerous leadership roles. He is a ninth-year director and currently serves as Past Chair of the United Soybean Board and its executive committee. He joined the Ohio Soybean Council in 2009 and the United Soybean Board in 2017, representing farmers on national and international initiatives.
Reinhard said that market development and evaluating the value of emerging technologies are key issues in the soybean industry today. “New industrial uses, new food uses, and new market development are opportunities for the industry,” he said. In addition to his agricultural leadership and his current position as county treasurer, Reinhard has served in the Ohio House of Representatives, as a Crawford County commissioner and as a volunteer firefighter for 23 years.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities. For Reinhard, that work continues to stretch from local farm fields to global agricultural discussions while keeping his roots firmly planted in Crawford County.
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