Barn of the Year

The Barn of the Year program annually honors existing Michigan barns that exemplify outstanding character in our state. Over the past two decades, a total of 74 barns from across Michigan have been recognized for their unique qualities and/or preservation efforts.

2019 Submissions Now Open

The Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) is requesting submissions for the 2019 Michigan Barn of the Year Awards, which will be presented at the 24th Annual Conference, Barn Tour and Meeting this spring in Ann Arbor.

Nominations are open to the public and all are encouraged to join the effort to identify potential nominees and assist in submitting applications.

Submission deadline: March 1, 2019.

Eligibility:

Nominated barns must have been built before 1957 and be in-use, either for continued agricultural use or adapted for other uses.  Barns must retain their overall appearance-both interior and exterior barn characteristics.

The categories in which awards are presented are for barns in use for:

  • Continuing Agricultural Use
    • Family (Private), Non-Profit or Commercial
  • Adapted to Other Uses
    • Family (Private), Non-Profit or Commercial

Barns will be judged for (1) completeness of information presented in the application, (2) sensitivity and integrity of repairs or modifications, (3) visual appeal, (4) creativity, (5) thoroughness of work and (6) effort expended to repair and maintain.

Four items are required for the submission:

  • A completed application form
  • A written narrative
  • Photographs
  • A completed Michigan Barn & Farmstead Inventory

Click here to review and print out the application. Or request a hard copy by contacting the program chairman, Keith Anderson.  E-mail: klanderson42@gmail.com or Mobile: 616-540-6701. Nominations must be postmarked by March 1, 2019.

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2018 Winners

Five Barns of the Year were recognized last year in three categories:

Continued Agricultural Use:

  1. Lundberg Barn—Dimondale, MI in Eaton County.  Owners:  Keith, Pat & Kay(Ardis) Lundberg
  2. Mayo Barn—Ortonville, MI in Oakland County.  Owners:  David & Kathleen Mayo

Private Adaptive Use:

  1. Moser/Craig Barn—New Sewickley, PA in Beaver County.  Owners:  Art & Liezel Moser Craig
  2. Bruins Barn—Allendale, MI in Ottawa County.  Owner:  Tom Bruins

Non-Profit Adaptive Use:

  1. White Dove Barn—Hillsdale, MI in Hillsdale County.  Owned by White Dove Ministries

You can see 2018 photos and winning barn information here.