Over the past two decades, 69 barns from across Michigan have been recognized for unique qualities or preservation efforts.
LANSING — The Michigan Barn Preservation Network is accepting submissions for its 2018 Michigan Barn of the Year Awards.
Applications may be requested by contacting the program chairman, Keith Anderson, at Klanderson42@gmail.com or call (616) 540- 6701. Nominations must be postmarked by March 23.
For additional information about the network,visit the website: www.mibarn.net.
The awards will be presented at the network’s 23rd annual conference, Spring Barn Tour and Meeting to be held May 4-5 at Agroliquid’s Education Center in St. Johns.
This is the 21st year for the awards. Over the past two decades, a total of 69 barns from across Michigan have been recognized for their unique qualities or preservation efforts.
The Barn of the Year program annually honors existing barns that exemplify outstanding character in the state. Nominated barns must have been built before 1957 and be in use either for continued agricultural use or adapted for others uses.
Overall appearance in both the barn’s interior and exterior will be considered.
Nominations are open to the public and will be reviewed and determined by an awards’ committee.
There are four categories that will be used:
■ Continuing Family or Private Agricultural Use.
■ Family or Private Adaptive Use.
■ Non-Profit Agricultural or Adaptive Use.
■ Commercial Agricultural or Adaptive Use.
Barns will be judged for: completeness of information presented in the application, sensitivity and integrity of repairs or modifications, visual appeal, creativity, thoroughness of work and 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 Survey.
The network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promotion, appreciation, preservation and rehabilitation of Michigan barns, farmsteads and rural communities.