WASECA, Minn. (AP) — Officials at the Farmamerica interpretive center near Waseca say damages from a roof collapse could top $100,000.

Heavy snows caused a large portion of a machine shed roof to give way on Monday. Farmamerica was already struggling financially, and the structure is uninsured because of high premium costs.

Executive Director Jim Gibson tells The Free Press of Mankato the collapse of the 100-foot-long pole barn roof was exacerbated by its age — it’s at least 35 years old — and by the center’s inability to pay for needed upgrades.

Removing the collapsed roof will be tricky because portions are resting on antique farm equipment in danger of further damage. Gibson says three trams used to transport visitors were severely damaged and two may be irreparable.

Farmamerica was commissioned in 1978 to preserve and promote the heritage of Minnesota agriculture.

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