Iowa Barn Tour: Part 1 of 2
by John Busch, OBP Regional Representative for Middlesex, Elgin, Chatham-Kent, Essex, and Lambton
I attended the State of Iowa fall barn 2023 tour. There were 72 barns on display around the state, all of which have been touched by grants from Iowa Barn Foundation. We managed to see 18 in two long days. It involved locating them between 9 am and 5 pm, obtaining the photos and conversing with the owner so it does take a little time.
I wanted to compare Iowa barns to Ontario barns, vis a vis age, use, structure, frame, funding for repairs, and building material. I think I was able to get some answers. Most of the barns are similar shape to Ontario barns, but often have local structure differences, probably implemented by the choice of the builder. Here is one example:




The first photo shows a wood sided, metal roof, stone foundation barn with some recent repairs. It has a stable and upper floor for fodder and bedding.
The second photo shows some sleepers in the stable with planks secured to their sides. I just had to follow that up.
It turns out the planks are part of the upper barn framing support and are tied in quite well. The floor, however, is not completely open to storage due to the bracing impinging on the space.
The barn was built in 1939 and the present owner has completed most of the repairs you see with assistance from Iowa Barn Foundation since he bought the barn in 2010. He proudly toured us around the site.