Jirik family recognized for conservation efforts
By COLTON KEMP colton.kemp@apgsomn.com Thousands of maple trees stand in the backdrop of the Jirik Family Farms. About 4,000 of the trees produce s...
By COLTON KEMP colton.kemp@apgsomn.com Thousands of maple trees stand in the backdrop of the Jirik Family Farms. About 4,000 of the trees produce sap that feeds into the 1,500-gallon tanks that he stands beside with his dog, Keeper. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com) Rice County Outstanding Conservationist Jim Jirik pulls a minnow trap from a frozen lake. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com) Jim Jirik pulls out homemade sausage and burgers from his freezer. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com) Among the wide variety of products made at Jirik Family Farms, Jim Jirik is especially proud of his apple syrup.