2025 - Volume #49, Issue #2, Page #07
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They Repair And Preserve Midwest Barns
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Family farms were once abundant across America, but they’re disappearing at unprecedented rates. “Here in Indiana, we’re losing about 1,000 barns a month,” says founder Mark Hufford. “Part of the mission of Peg & Pin is carrying those stories forward.”
The company has been focused on family from the start. “The kids wanted to grow our family business,” says Hufford. “We have a real passion for agricultural history, so restoring barns felt like a good use of our trade skills.”
The majority of Peg & Pin’s customer base is over 60 and looking to preserve a family barn for future generations. Others want to transform barns into shops or event spaces or put them back to practical use on their properties.
They receive about three to five calls a week regarding restoration projects or taking barns down. The company is careful about what demo projects it accepts, as the mission remains to save and preserve barns whenever possible. “My role is the estimator, meaning that I get to meet the barn owners and learn their stories,” says Hufford. “And l love these stories; every barn has one. Recently, I was touring, and the owner showed me where he perfected his three-point shot growing up. We want to help families preserve these kinds of stories.”
The LLC remains a family business with an additional 10 to 15 employees. There are typically three crews at a time. Two take on big projects (usually four to six weeks each), while the third does minor repairs that take a few days. The lead time for larger projects is currently 45 to 60 days, while small projects can be scheduled within 30 days.
“One big challenge is getting good product suppliers,” says Hufford. “It’s hard to find consistent sources of rough-sawn or hand-hewn wood.” There’s also difficulty in reaching the right customers. “We’re constantly working on publicity. A lot of our primary customer base isn’t online, but my daughter’s been managing our social media and connecting us with people forty and under. This age group is also growing increasingly interested in preserving old barns.”
At publication, the company is setting up a furniture business featuring pieces made from reclaimed wood. “Each piece will come with documentation,” Hufford says. “It’s a way to give people memories of barns they’ve grown up with. They’ll be able to keep a piece of them forever.”
Looking forward, Hufford hopes to continue cultivating interest in preserving historic farm buildings. “Agriculture is the greatest commodity in Indiana. It’s our heritage. Sometimes, we forget where we come from in this fast-moving world.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Peg & Pin Repair and Restoration, 2015 E 500 S, Cutler, Ind. 46920 (ph 765-414-9352; mark.hufford@pegandpin.com; www.pegandpin.com).
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