ALTO PASS, Ill. — Bushels of knowledge, experience and business best practices collected since 1873 are working to the advantage of the Sirles family, owners of Rendleman Orchards in Union County, one of the few commercial family-operated orchards in Illinois.

Generations have handpicked the best of this experience and recast technology to meet changing industry demands. But for Wayne “Ren” Sirles, the family treasure lies not in its 800 acres of fruit and vegetables but in his family and its investment into the business.

“If I see a successful farmer, I know it’s because he’s a very good business manager. Most farmers are looking forward to new challenges and new markets. They need to look at the future of their farm businesses. This is how you take care of your family,” he said. He’s worked on the family farm since age 14.

Ren was inducted into the Illinois State Horticultural Society Hall of Fame last summer, and the family was honored at last weekend’s Illinois Specialty Growers’ Assoc. annual conference in Springfield as its billed keynotes. 

Rendleman Orchards’ history goes back to 1873 when John and Isabelle Rendleman settled the 88-acre homestead, starting the farm with chickens, cows and corn. Four generations later, the farm produces a bounty of apples, peaches, nectarines, cucumbers, yellow squash, green beans and zucchini. There’s now a retail outlet, called the Farm Market, that contributes 15 percent annually in revenues and has become the business’ public face.

Ren has been business president since 1980 and a co-owner since 1972. His wife, Betty, is business secretary and treasurer. Ren’s mother, Helen, 96, continues to live in the homestead’s original house.

At the couple’s side is the fifth generation of business officers in Wayne D. Sirles, vice president, and his wife, Michelle J. Sirles, assistant vice president. While Wayne manages all fruit and vegetable production and Michelle handles marketing, they overall are preparing to succeed Ren and Betty. Wayne’s sister, Amy, is a speech pathologist.

Then there’s the sixth generation in Audrey and Hilary, both currently attending the University of Illinois and deciding their futures. 

Passing the Torch: Generations of Diversification and Transitions over 142 Years is the story the family shared at the recent conference. One tool they recommend is www.FarmJournalLegacyProject.com

Betty said after the deaths of two major stockholders and inheritance taxes, the advantages of incorporating the family business were obvious. That’s why Ren started succession planning in 1980. 

“It’s expensive to do – hiring an accountant and a lawyer. You cannot do this without professionals,” Michelle explained. “And it’s very time consuming. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”

“We want to continue what we have with our family but have some flexibility for the future,” Wayne added.

And now the family is poised, professionally and personally, for another business milestone with Ren and Betty’s pending retirement. 

“We are firm believers that we are standing on the shoulders of our ancestors,” Betty continued. “We’re not worried about the sixth generation for now. We are focusing on the fourth and fifth generations. There has to be some flexibility. Yes, we’re proud, but it’s a responsibility.”