Rendleman Orchards

There are a few sesquicentennial farms in America still operating as a full-time family farm business. In 1873, the original 88 acres were purchased by John Rendleman and established as an orchard. Five generations later, the farm comprises of peach, apple, and nectarine orchards, woods, U-Pick flower fields, historical buildings and a Farm Market. The inclusion of a native plant habitat, which offers a wide variety of species were chosen to create a sanctuary, specifically to feed and protect butterflies, bees, birds and other pollinators. This field meets the four critical elements of a certified Illinois Audubon Society Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary: food, shelter, water and space. The orchard is also recognized as an official Monarch Waystation. Today, the orchard is one of a few “full service” operations growing, tending, harvesting, packing in their own facility, and delivering produce in their own trucks to sell it directly to consumers through wholesale markets and their own farm market. They’re also one of the few shipping peaches direct to consumers’ porches.

Wayne and Michelle Sirles manage the orchard alongside his parents, Ren and Betty. Wayne has always had an appreciation for the outdoors and caring for the farm’s natural resources. Even though the farm has long practiced land conservation and cover crops, he felt it important to apply his background (Plant and Soil Science, with an emphasis on Horticulture, Agribusiness and Chemistry) and connections to implement no-till farming practices. This has proved to be especially helpful in managing moisture and better withstanding both droughts and heavy precipitation events. Michelle implemented her 25-year career “off the farm” skills in graphic design, marketing, human resources, corporate event planning and fundraising to the mix, all used daily and year-round on the farm. They helped Ren and Betty with a legacy transition plan that allowed everyone to understand how invaluable continuing their farm legacy is for future generations. Beyond day-to-day farming, they are fierce advocates for agriculture policy, reducing food insecurity and helping other farmers. They are proud of their role in the Farm to Food Bank pilot program as it has a giant impact on improving the lives of so many families.
Today, we welcome Rendleman Orchards to our EcoCertified network of growers for the 2024 season.