Wayne and Michelle Sirles have brought Rendleman Orchards, their farm into 21st century

Read the full story in the Southern Illinoisan.

The history of Rendleman Orchards dates back to 1873 when John and Isabelle Rendleman settled near Alto Pass and established an 88-acre family farm.

The small farm evolved over the years, establishing orchards in the early 1900s and eventually growing to over 800 acres that included orchards, vegetable fields, forestland, and several acres devoted to seasonal flower production and pollinator habitat.

The farm has remained in the family and Wayne Sirles, along with his wife Michelle, are the fifth generation to be growing fruit on the farm. The couple has literally brought the farm into the 21st century and they are working hard to be leaders in local and sustainable food production.