For Tony Mellenthin and his wife, Katie, soybean farming is more than just a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Tony’s family has grown soybeans for three generations in western Wisconsin. But recently, soybeans have entered the Mellenthin household in an entirely new way—through a nursery makeover highlighting the sustainable benefits of soybean-based products.
Tony’s connection to soybeans led him to the United Soybean Board as a farmer leader, where he crossed paths with Tracy Hutson, the well-known host of “Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition.” Hutson, who collaborates with the Board, became intrigued when Tony mentioned that he and Katie were expecting their third child. She immediately offered to redesign their nursery – an offer Tony initially thought was just polite conversation.
“A month later, Tracy asked me about it again, and I told her point-blank, ‘To be honest, Tracy, I thought you were doing one of those Midwest Nice things, where you offer and hope I don’t take you up on it,’” Tony recalls. “And she said, ‘No, I meant it 100%.’”
Taking Hutson up on her offer, the couple was amazed as she transformed their nursery using products derived from the soybean crop Tony’s family has farmed for generations. Soybean-based products, known for being a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products, were at the heart of the makeover. These products support family farms like the Mellenthins, promote healthier soil and reduce carbon emissions when used as biodiesel.
What started as a nursery makeover quickly expanded. After learning more about the Mellenthin’s two daughters, ages five and one, Hutson also extended her redesign to their rooms.
“I thought it was going to just be the one room, but by the time I started really thinking about it, thinking about their other little girls, I thought I just had to remake rooms for all of them,” Hutson says. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Hutson arrived in Eau Galle in February to bring her vision to life. The Mellenthins stayed out of the rooms until the big reveal, trusting Hutson’s expertise.
“We put it all in Tracy’s hands,” Katie says. “When we walked in, it was such a big change.”
The oldest daughter’s room now features a bright rainbow mural painted with soy-based paint, while the nursery includes a soy-based changing pad, mattress and pillow inserts. Hutson even included soy crayons, nail polish, toys, and stuffed animals, ensuring every detail reflected the sustainable, family-farm lifestyle.
“The rooms before were all a little dark – now they’re bright and playful and fun,” Katie says. “You want to hang out in them now.”
For Tony, the makeover holds special significance. His oldest daughter is in the room where he grew up. He would never have guessed that it would now be remodeled using soybeans that could’ve come from his fields.
“Helping us redo rooms for our daughters and our newborn using soy-based solutions that we grow means a little something more for us,” Tony says. “The soybeans could’ve been grown here. They could’ve started on our farm.”
Hutson enjoyed the opportunity to source sustainable products in the reimagined spaces.
“The soybean has so many diverse uses – it’s really remarkable,” Hutson notes. “There are so many products, from building materials to lotions to nail polish.”
The Mellenthin family – including their newborn son and brother – are enjoying their remodeled spaces compliments of U.S. Soy.
“To see the innovation soy has brought into consumer-facing products and to be able to use those in our house is mind-blowing to me,” Tony says. “As we raise our family, we’re trying to instill a sense of pride and ownership in how we farm, making sure we do right for the environment and the community…Now we can show our kids all these amazing things that come from what we grow.”
The makeover reflects the Mellenthin family’s dedication to their farm and showcases U.S. Soy’s endless possibilities, from the farm to the home.
