Dec. 26, 2025: The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) in partnership with the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, announced the successful completion of their statewide PFAS Collection and Exchange Initiative.   “Protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Thanks to the participating fire departments and the support of the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, we’ve helped provide local departments with a safer, soy-based alternative while reducing likely environmental impacts across the state.”   The state-wide PFAS Collection and Exchange Initiative assisted fire departments in removing legacy firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals known for their environmental persistence and potential health risks.   Through this coordinated effort, departments turned in PFAS-containing foam and received SoyFoam, a soy-based alternative produced with support from the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. SoyFoam is designed to meet operational needs while reducing environmental impact and supporting the state’s agricultural industry.   Results of the Initiative:  32 participating fire departments and one airport; 2,344 gallons of PFAS foam collected and properly disposed; and 115 (23, 5-gallon pails) gallons of SoyFoam distributed.   “The SD Soybean Checkoff is honored to partner with DANR on this important project. We will continue promoting the health and environmental benefits of SoyFoam and providing 5-gallon containers to fire departments that have not yet had the opportunity to test the product,” said Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of the SD Soybean Checkoff. “Additionally, we are encouraging the use of SoyFoam to build sprinkler systems and for home and farm applications using garden sprayers. Soybean farmers look forward to government approval for use of SoyFoam in military and forestry applications.”   DANR conducted a similar statewide foam collection effort in 2020, collecting 3,875 gallons of PFAS-containing foam from 36 fire departments and one airport. In total, the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff has provided over 250 gallons of SoyFoam to local fire departments.   The successful completion of the initiative reflects DANR’s mission to protect and preserve the state’s natural resources.   Nov. 10, 2025: The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), in partnership with the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, announced the start of a statewide PFAS foam collection and SoyFoam exchange initiative to help safely remove and destroy firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been widely used in firefighting foams for decades. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of negative health effects. These compounds do not easily break down in the environment and can contaminate soil and water resources. “The PFAS foam collection and SoyFoam exchange partnership with the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff is important in protecting our state’s natural resources,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “By working with local fire departments, we can safely collect and destroy PFAS materials before they threaten our environment.” Earlier this year, fire departments across South Dakota volunteered to participate in the initiative. Departments that provide their PFAS-based firefighting foam to DANR will be given a 5-gallon container of a soy-based alternative foam from the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff designed to help meet operational needs while reducing environmental impact. “The South Dakota Soybean Checkoff Board greatly values its partnership with DANR in providing local firefighters with SoyFoam, a product developed through research funded by the Soybean Checkoff. SoyFoam is safe for firefighters to use, environmentally friendly, and helps build demand for soybeans grown by South Dakota farm families,” said Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. Collections will take place over the coming weeks, with DANR’s Inspection, Compliance, and Remediation (ICR) Division coordinating logistics and ensuring that all PFAS materials are safely collected, transported, and destroyed at an approved hazardous waste facility. In 2020, DANR conducted a similar statewide foam collection effort. A total of 3,875 gallons of PFAS-containing foam were collected from 36 fire departments and one airport. Efforts of this year’s initiative will be announced following the collection from participating fire departments. DANR appreciates the cooperation of local fire departments and the partnership with the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. Together, this initiative fulfills DANR’s mission and South Dakota’s commitment to protecting and preserving our natural resources. ...read more read less