ISA's partnership with Indiana pacers promotes high oleic soybean oil

ISA’s partnership with Indiana Pacers promotes high oleic soybean oil

BY DAVE BLOWER JR.

At this time of year, many Hoosiers prepare and look forward to many traditional events and gatherings. From gift-giving and holiday parties to popcorn and basketball games, Indiana’s calendar is packed with traditions that are eagerly enjoyed each year. Indiana agriculture has its traditions, too.

Among the most important is working together toward a common goal. The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) turns Hoosier farmers’ tradition of cooperation into action. Recently, ISA established a new partnership with the Indiana Pacers professional basketball team to use high oleic soybean oil in food preparation for all events at the Pacers home arena, Gainbridge Fieldhouse. ISA proudly supports Indiana soybean farmers with the slogan “We Grow Soybeans” – on signage around Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

In addition, ISA will have informational signage around the fieldhouse about the benefits of high oleic soybean oil used in the food preparation and the local farmers who grow the soybeans. High oleic soybeans are sustainably grown in Indiana on familyowned soybean farms and transformed into soybean oil at three facilities located around the state.

High oleic soybean oil is a new vegetable oil that lasts longer for food preparation at restaurants– making it more economical. The demand for high oleic oil is growing, so Indiana farmers are paid a premium for growing high oleic soybeans by companies who market the oil to food processors. More high oleic soybeans are grown in Indiana than anywhere else on Earth.

In part to promote the high oleic soybean oil now used to cook food in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Soybean Alliance has partnered with Pacers Entertainment, Inc. With the slogan, “We Grow Soybeans,” there are signs throughout the Pacers’ home arena touting the health benefits of high oleic soybean oil and Indiana’s soybean growers.

“Indiana is the No. 1 producer of high oleic soybean oil in the world. Basketball is one of the biggest traditions in Indiana, and the Pacers play the game at the highest level in the state,” said ISA Chair Mike Koehne, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind. “To have the Pacers agree to use high oleic soybean oil in food preparation at games and events in Gainbridge Fieldhouse will benefit the Pacers, their fans and Indiana soybean farmers. This partnership is a slam dunk.”

The Indiana Pacers are proud to celebrate their association with the state’s farmers. The Pacers sell tickets to fans with the slogan, “We Grow Basketball.” In addition, the Pacers are partnering with the upcoming Indiana State Fair. The Fair recently announced that “Basketball” is the theme of the 2023 event. ISA is also a partner of the Indiana State Fair. The Glass Barn is a permanent structure at the fairgrounds and one of ISA’s primary educational facilities to reach consumers about the work and products of Indiana’s soybean farmers. Basketball will be incorporated into the activities at the Glass Barn this year, too.

“To create a better understanding of Indiana agriculture and how we grow our crops, checkoff dollars are used bridge the gap that exists between farmers and our neighbors – both rural and urban,” said Koehne, who grows high oleic soybeans on his Decatur County farm. “The Glass Barn, for many years, has effectively taught folks about farming in Indiana. We believe this partnership with the Pacers to use high oleic oil also fits with our goals at the checkoff. It creates a new market for Indiana soybeans; it highlights our sustainable growing practices and showcases Indiana’s leadership in transforming high oleic soybeans.”

Funded with Indiana corn checkoff dollars.