A Tornado’s Toll

For Adam Ploog and his family, farming has always been a way of life. Alongside his parents, he spends long days tending to corn, cattle, soybeans, and alfalfa, with his children pitching in to learn the trade. It’s a generational commitment. Like any family farm, a barn is more than just a building; it’s a landmark of hard work, history, and memories. Famous Midwestern performer Will Rogers once said, “The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.”  That sentiment rang especially true for Adam in March 2023, when a powerful storm put his resilience to the test.

On that dreary March day, dark clouds loomed over the farm as Adam stepped inside for a break. The warm scent of fresh-baked cookies filled the kitchen. His daughter handed him a cookie, and for a moment, he enjoyed the simple comfort. But as he glanced out the window, he noticed the wind picking up. Within minutes, the storm intensified, and the family took shelter in the basement. When they emerged, Adam glanced outside and immediately realized something was missing. He could see straight to his neighbor’s property, a view normally blocked by their barn. In an instant, the weight of the destruction hit him: the barn, a structure that had stood for years, had been completely leveled.

The Power of Community

This was the second time in seven years Adam faced the daunting task of rebuilding. The 125mph winds wreaked havoc, but what followed was a testament to community spirit.

Neighbors, fellow farmers, and people Adam and his family had never met showed up the next day with excavators and a willingness to lend a hand. They were moving large portions of the fallen barn walls, pulling out farm equipment and other belongings, and clearing debris. Among the volunteers was Ryan Birney, president of CEC, directing the cleanup efforts with an air of authority. “Ryan showed up in a bright orange CEC safety vest and just started telling people how and where to move the walls safely off the equipment. It was so helpful to have someone with experience doing this sort of thing. He knew where things should be tied off and set. Otherwise, we were working with some good ‘ol farmer engineering.”

On a farm, you make do with what you have. “Farmer engineering” refers to the creative, practical problem-solving skills farmers develop—often out of necessity. But in a situation as dangerous as clearing storm debris, having a professional with structural experience made all the difference. The supportive community remained throughout the day, doing everything they could to help the Ploog family keep their farm running smoothly. As people started to leave, Adam made a point to connect with Ryan. Adam’s mom worked for CEC for over thirty years but had retired. It was meaningful for him to see a familiar company come to their aid. Although Ryan hadn’t directly worked with Adam’s mother, he had heard about her contributions there. When he learned of the situation with the family barn, he didn’t hesitate to offer his assistance. Even amidst the turmoil, there were signs of connection and solidarity.

Building Back Better

With a farm to run and winter approaching, Adam knew he had to get the barn rebuilt quickly. It needed to be built to withstand the elements better than before. As expected, several contractors rolled into town following the storms, but Adam’s intuition told him they weren’t the right fit.

“My wind warranty on the previous building was just 3 months past the 5-year warranty mark. The previous contractor was unable to offer help, and other contractors wanted us to find other someone to take care of the concrete work. I was busy running the farm, and didn’t have much time to mess around trying to find different people to get this job done.” That’s when he turned back to the local choice, Ryan at Clinton Engineering. Not only had he been boots on the ground in the storm’s aftermath, but he offered a solution that was comprehensive – a turnkey operation that could handle everything from the foundation up.

Their new building would sit on the original footprint, but that’s where the similarities ended. This time, they weren’t leaving anything to chance. The Ploogs chose an 81’ x 192’ pre-engineered wood frame Lester Building. Its double trusses are designed to withstand winds up to 125 mph.

Previous building methods would not suffice; the old frost-free cement footings were no longer an option after they had seen the ground break underneath. Instead, they opted for 36-inch sono tubes and sturdy pilons, reinforcing the structure from the ground up. One side was outfitted with HVAC, allowing for more comfortable maintenance, repairs, and office work in the winter and summer months.

By the time winter came, everything was in place. Adam felt a sense of pride as the final touches were put on the new barn. Amid adversity, he had witnessed the strength of community and the power of resilience. That barn was more than just a shelter for their equipment—it was a symbol of their commitment to farming, family, and the generations to come. It would be a place where Adam’s children could learn, grow, and develop the same love for farming that was instilled in him. In the end, it wasn’t just about rebuilding a barn; it was about reinforcing the foundations that held their family and community together.

Standing Tall

Ensuring the longevity of any project is essential, whether it’s a barn or another significant endeavor. Having a trusted partner can truly help transform your vision into reality. At Clinton Engineering, we take pride in creating sturdy and thoughtfully designed solutions that embody our commitment to quality and community.

If you’re looking to build something that stands the test of time, CEC is here to help!

Explore some of our past projects and let’s create something lasting together.