A look back and looking ahead

1935-40
Howard and Gladys Gibson tie the knot. After many years of teaching others about farming, the couple decides to buy their own plot of land and farm.

1941
The Gibsons purchase 120-acres four miles west of Junction City, Oregon, and call it Lochmead Farms. After a tough first year, a modest $40.78 remains in the checkbook.

1942-43
Grandpa Howard quits his government job and moves his family to the farm. This is the first year the farm produces crops and income. Great Grandpa and Great Grandma help finance the purchase and work on the farm.

1945
Lochmead Dairy begins to produce milk shortly after the first dairy cows arrive.

1945-50
The farm shifts to a full-fledged dairy operation with 100 cows, a milking parlor and expanded acreage that produces food for the herd. At ages 5 and 6, the Gibson children begin helping out on the farm before and after school.