Could an oxbow fit your farm?

July 2, 2026 | Kriss Nelson

For many farmers, the word "oxbow" may sound familiar, but seeing one in person can make all the difference.

The Iowa Soybean Association is inviting farmers to do just that during a July 14 field day at the Ortrude Dial Farm near Williams from 9-10:30 a.m. The oxbow site is located on the west side of Underwood Avenue in Williams, IA, approximately halfway between 250th Street and 260th Street.

RSVP For This Hands-On Event

Hands-on learning

Ready to see what conservation looks like on the ground? Walk the site of a newly restored oxbow and discover the power of these former stream channels to clean up local water. Meet with the experts, talk strategy, and walk away with a clear picture of how an oxbow project can work for your unique acreage. "They’ll go home with a better understanding of what an oxbow is," says Brandon Iddings, ISA senior conservation services manager.

The restored oxbow was completed in December 2025 and sits on roughly one-half acre. It intercepts drainage from about 30 acres of tiled farmland and provides additional flood storage along a stream that originates on the property.

"This one made sense because of the amount of tile draining to it," Iddings says. "There's also a lot of water pressure coming into this area, so it’s expected to provide additional flood storage while improving water quality."

Field day focus

While the restored oxbow will also serve as a watering source for the Dial family's sheep, Iddings says its primary purpose is conservation.

"Every farm is different," he says. "We're looking at how these projects can fit into working farms while providing benefits for water quality and the landscape."

During the field day, ISA conservation specialists will explain how oxbows function, what makes a site suitable for restoration and what resources are available to farmers interested in exploring a project.

"If someone thinks they have an oxbow or a location that might work, we encourage them to reach out," Iddings says. "We can help identify those opportunities and talk through what the process looks like."

In addition to the oxbow tour, ISA Research Agronomist Shane Beck will provide a crop update, giving attendees the opportunity to hear the latest observations from fields across Iowa.

The field day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by a welcome and trial results overview before the guided oxbow tour.

Whether farmers are actively considering conservation practices or simply curious about how restored oxbows work, Iddings says seeing one firsthand is often the best place to start.

"It's one thing to hear about an oxbow," he says. "It's another to stand beside one and see how it fits into a working farm."

Sign up today

Please register by July 10. If you have any questions, contact Becca Ahrendsen at 319-521-1184 or bahrendsen@iasoybeans.com.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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