By CECIL DARNELL
Michigan Correspondent

WILLIAMSTON, Mich. — The Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) celebrated 15 years as it held its annual conference and meeting at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing in the middle of March.

This conference begins with a daylong bus tour of area barns, which falls under the job assignment of Dan Creyts from West Lansing. This tour has grown up well and is popular with those who have a hunger for the history of barns, especially old-timers with rural ties and memories.

MBPN also recognizes barn preservation projects that have been brought to its attention. Clifford Simmons with Omega Farms in Williamston was proud to accept the award for the business’ recent restoration of the sale barn near its farm office complex on M-52, just north of Grand River Avenue. MBPN awarded the Omega Barn the Commercial Agricultural, or adaptive use, recognition.

Omega Farms encompasses some 4,000 acres built up by the Simmons family. At one time they had a second location in Kansas, a ranch where they raised their cattle. The challenges of managing two locations so far apart led to rethinking their farming philosophy, resulting in this single location decision. The idea of ”Stewards of the Land” has guided them along the way.

Omega Farms has long been known for its concrete fences and fine beef cattle. Both of these factors are being incorporated in the restoration of the Michigan Buildings on Omega. Going into 2009 it had accomplished upgrading the buildings on Grand River Avenue; the sale barn was the focus of energies for project 2009.