The Legacy Barn

A Place to Pour Into

A 90-year-old barn. Twenty years of iron family farmer reunions. A future held in community hands.

For two decades we have gathered

under sun, sky, and storm to pour molten metal into sand and spirit. For two decades, we’ve gathered at the edge of the field to share meals, build molds, and feed the fire. To remember we are better in community where belonging finally finds us.

We’ve camped in fields, danced by starlight, and held ceremony on the pour floor. And through it all, the old barn has stood behind us, weathered, wise, and waiting, our visual anchor, our backstage, our eventual sanctuary.

The Down on the Farm Iron Pour is more than an art event, it’s a living ritual of community, creativity, and legacy.

Now, in our fallow year, as we navigate the tender handover of the farm from Kelly’s father, Ron (who would have turned 90 this year, just like the barn), to Kelly, we’re beginning the careful work of stewarding this space into its next life. We’re beginning the long and love-filled work of restoring the barn and securing the legacy of Down on the Farm Iron Pour for the next generation.

We’re calling this the Legacy Program :: a developing vision that invites our community to help bring the barn back to life as a safe, functional, and reverent space for creativity, connection, healing and fire.

What We Are

DREAMING INTO

a multi-faceted, multi-phased vision for sacred spaces

  • A gathering hall for meals, meetings, and creative connection

  • Bathrooms and running water (finally!)

  • A kitchen to support epic meal crews and communal nourishment

  • A safe, weather-resistant shelter from Iowa’s unpredictable weather

  • Accessibility features that allow more people to pour, stay, and belong

Barn Legacy

SUPPORT TIERS

for creative communities in country cathedrals

$10,000 USD - Legacy Barn Founder

What you receive:

- Host your own private event in the restored barn (up to 50 guests)

- 2-Iron Family Farmer VIP Sand Studio packages (includes up to 3 extra days of camping + meals above the standard package*)

- Name on a communal bronze plaque by the barn

- A commemorative bronze token

- An original weathered barn board, engraved for you to take home

- Name on our event banner

- Name on our website

What your gift could support:
Repairs to the barn’s siding to make it weather-tight again

$5,000 USD - Flamekeepers Circle

Choose one:

- Host your own private event in the restored barn (up to 30 guests)
OR

- 4-Iron Family Farmer VIP Sand Studio packages (includes up to 3 extra days of camping + meals above the standard package*) a $3200 value by itself

Also includes:

- A commemorative iron token

- Name on our event banner

- Name on our website

What your gift could support:
Framing repairs or structural stabilization

$2,500 USD - Heat & Hearth Champion

What you receive:

- 2-Iron Family Farmer VIP Sand Studio packages (includes up to 3 extra days of camping + meals above the standard package*) a $1600 value by itself

- A commemorative iron token

- Name on our website

What your gift could support:
New barn flooring to restore safe footing and workshop potential

$1,250 USD - Builder of Belonging

What you receive:

- 1-Iron Family Farmer VIP Sand Studio package (includes up to 3 extra days of camping + meals above the standard package*) an $800 value by itself

- Name on our website

What your gift could support:
Primer and paint to help the barn shine again

$750 USD - Iron & Earth Steward

What you receive:

1-Hobby Farmer Tile or Bowl Package for 3 Nights*

Name on our website

What your gift could support:
Flexible funds to fill gaps or support smaller restoration needs

$500 USD - Friend of the Fire

Choose one:

2-Green Thumb Packages for 1 Night*
OR

1-Urban Farmer Scratch Tile or Bowl Package for 2 Nights*

Also includes:

Name on our website

What your gift could support:
Flexible funds to fill gaps or support smaller restoration needs

Bespoke Co-Creator Tier starting at $500 USD

Have a vision or number in mind?


Fill out the form below to share your proposal for a custom exchange. Let’s dream together, build your bespoke tier + claim your place in the Barn Legacy History

A few ideas:

a bespoke welding experience for beginners all the way to advanced: learn to weld, build a custom project like a coffee table or bed frame, or create your own welded found object sculpture (eg. if an Intro to Welding Workshop is normally $200, Legacy Recognition means your Bespoke Tier is $370)

a private iron, aluminum or bronze pour for a unique corporate team building endeavor or for an original family reunion (eg if your private pour is estimated at $2,000, Legacy Recognition means your Bespoke Tier is $3,700)

all art sales are currently going toward the restoration as well - view the gallery on Kelly’s website or email us for a private viewing of his “30 Years in the Making: A Retrospective Art Exhibition” in Decorah, Iowa

*be sure to check out the Legacy Program Terms & Conditions and our standard Terms & Conditions before filling out the form

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Legacy Tiers

go beyond event registration. They include your participation in the Iron Pour and your contribution to the restoration of the 90-year-old barn that anchors our creative community. While standard registration covers your seat at the pour, Legacy Tiers include lasting recognition as a supporter of this living tradition. Your Tier is an investment in art, land, and legacy that extends far beyond a single event.

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LOOKING AHEAD

Phase 1 :: We're in it with securing the barn!

Phase 2 :: Electrical upgrade

Phase 3 :: Septic system + new waterlines

Phase 4 :: Commercial kitchen with walk-in cooler

Phase 5 :: Indoor restrooms and potential shower facilities (Though folks sure love the outdoor shower under the stars!)

Phase 6 :: Summer Kitchen transformation into bunkhouse for residency or staff

Phase 7 :: Small Corn Bin transformation into temporary housing for residency or VIP guesthouse

Phase 8 :: Large Corn Bin transformation into VIP guesthouse

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PHASE ONE

The barn is calling and the time to act is now.

We’ve listened. We’ve dreamed. Now we’re building.
Phase One is underway, and your support is urgently needed to keep the momentum alive.

This first phase of restoration is estimated at $30,000 USD and includes:

  • Making the barn weather-tight (new siding, patching, all new batten)

  • Laying down a new floor (did you see the holes and warping in that video?!)

  • Painting (starting with primer)

  • Critical structural repairs to keep the building safe and sound

Some Kind Words

TESTIMONIALS

the culture your presence helps co-create

“

None of it would be possible without Kelly and Diane, whose generosity, vision, and hard work make this gathering a reality year after year. I’m deeply grateful to them for creating and sustaining this space that means so much to so many.

ZACK M.

“

I stood back several times each day to observe the flurry of activity and felt in awe by the communal scenes -- purposeful actions and the overt pleasure of being together.

JIM D.

Barn Legacy Program FAQs

Why am I paying more than standard Down on the Farm Iron Pour package registration?

Legacy Tiers include full event registration plus an added contribution toward the barn restoration and future of the Iron Pour. Because this is both participation and investment, Legacy Tier prices are higher than standard registration, typically about double. In appreciation, Legacy supporters are recognized publicly for helping sustain this rural arts tradition.

When will the barn be ready for events?

Phase One construction is underway, focusing on structural repairs, new siding, a fresh floor, and priming. While we don’t have an exact date yet, we’ll notify all supporters when the barn is deemed “event-ready” and able to host gatherings. Our goal is safety, durability, and warmth, something we believe is worth waiting for.

What's the deadline to use my experience package?

All experience-based packages must be redeemed or scheduled by December 31, 2028, unless otherwise noted. After that, they may be forfeited or honored at our discretion based on availability.

These include the following packages in various tiers:

- Family Farmer Sand Studio for 3 Nights

- Hobby Farmer Tile or Bowl for 3 Nights

- Urban Farmer Scratch Tile or Bowl for 2 Nights

- Green Thumb Along for the Ride for 1 Night

What if I'm in a top tier that includes a private event?

For those in the $10,000 Legacy Barn Founder tier or $5,000 Flamekeeper Circle tier that chooses the private event: you’ll have five (5) years from the date the barn is deemed event-ready to host your private gathering (up to 50 guests). We’ll coordinate with you once we cross that milestone to find the best date, season, and setup for your celebration.

Are these contributions tax-deductible?

No. These are not donations. This is a legacy-based experience crowdfunding campaign. You’re purchasing a set of meaningful experiences, a place in DOTF history + access to opportunities in support of this community-led renovation.

What are the funds being used for right now?

We’re in the thick of Phase One (out of Eight planned phases), which includes:

- Making the barn weather-tight (new siding, including all new battens + replacing the remaining nails with screws)

- All new doors, including the large double doors on the South side where the tractors + wagons full of feed used to enter the loft

- Renting a boom lift to safely reach the 60+ foot peak on the East side

- Installing a new floor

- Structural stabilization

- Priming and sealing before winter

Can I transfer my package or experience to someone else?

Yes, with prior written notice. You may gift or transfer your experience to someone else if you’re unable to attend, subject to approval.

What if I move or can't travel?

While all contributions are final and non-refundable, we know life happens. We’ll do our best to offer flexible options or alternate experiences of similar value when possible. Please review the refunds policy in the Legacy Program Terms & Conditions and Terms & Conditions.

Can I contribute skills or materials instead of funds?

Yes! We deeply value hands-on support, wisdom, and in-kind resources. If you’d like to offer your skills or materials toward the barn’s restoration, let us know via the form linked in the buttons above.

“

We know the barn isn't just ours.

It belongs to every soul who’s ever felt held, fed, or forged here.

It has seen generations come and go.


It has held up through storms, and reflected (y)our reaction-mold firelight, and laughter.


With your help, it will stand strong for the next 90 years and keep holding this wild, radiant thing we’ve built together.

Thank you for pouring into the legacy.

With grit & gratitude,

Diane & Kelly Ludeking

Co-Stewards, Co-Dreamers, Joyful Doers

Down on the Farm Iron Pour

a Ludeking Legacy ambassador project

MY GIFT TO YOU

THIS Amazing

FREE RESOURCE!

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