What to do With the Old Barn

By: Jodi Henke

The old, wooden barn that’s been on your family’s land for decades is a relic of the past and has emotional value. However, after years of standing up to the brutal forces of Mother Nature and possibly neglect, it’s showing its age and a decision needs to be made. Do you tear it down or spend the money to renovate it for a new purpose?

Kevin Janni is a professor and Extension engineer at the University of Minnesota. He says there are many factors to consider such do you want to build a new barn, or how a remodel would fit into your management plan. The barn’s structural integrity is another.