I grew up on the farm that’s been in our family for more than 150 years. The center point of that farm is our barn. I refer to it as “the barn that built me.” It truly is that and more. It is where I learned to care for animals, and where they cared for me. It’s the barn that built me as a person and taught me so much.

Since I celebrate my barn every time I walk in it, I am sure there are others who share the same types of feelings toward their own barns. Wallaces Farmer wants to see your barns, and you could win prizes and be featured in a future issue. This is the official kickoff for the 2022 Wallaces Farmer Iowa Beautiful Barn Contest.

Email us a picture of your barn, and in 150 words or less, share with us the history of your barn, including how it is used on your farm. Please include your name, address and phone number. Entries will close at 8 a.m. Sept. 15.

Winners will be selected through a combination of online voting and editorial voting, based on the beauty of the barn and the story behind it.

Prizes

Owners of the barn will receive a complete photo shoot of their barn — which can include family members — plus a 16-by-20-inch metal wall art piece of the photo of their choice. Plus, the winner of the first-place barn will receive $100, second place will win $75 and third will get $50.

Send a photo and write-up about your beautiful Iowa barn by Sept. 15, including your name, address and phone number to [email protected]. Winners will be notified during the first part of October.