Buzz Gibson Reflects on the Legacy of Lochmead Farms and Dari Mart: A Family’s Journey from 1941 to Today.

Part 1

In a recent video interview, Buzz Gibson, the second-generation owner and retired dairy manager of Lochmead Farms, shared fascinating stories about the origins of Lochmead and its sister company, Dari Mart. Born in 1946, Buzz recounts the history of his family’s journey into farming and dairy production, beginning with the purchase of land in 1941 to start a farm.

Buzz Gibson’s early childhood and teenage years.

Buzz’s family—his father Howard Gibson, his mother Gladys, and siblings Pat, Judy, Jock, and Mike—had a vision of building a sustainable farm in the lush Oregon countryside. In the early 1940s, they turned that vision into reality, establishing Lochmead Farms and a few years later, starting their dairy operation. The original herd was composed of Guernsey and Brown Swiss cattle, breeds chosen for their milk production and hardiness. Over time, however, the farm transitioned to primarily Holstein cattle, which were more efficient and better suited to the farm’s growing needs.

Link to Part 1 of Buzz’s interview.

Throughout the interview, Buzz emphasizes the farm’s growth, noting that the smallest the dairy operation ever operated at was 98 cows. Buzz speaks with pride about his family’s hard work and dedication to providing quality dairy products. Their commitment led to the eventual development of Dari Mart, a chain of convenience stores that became a staple in the Willamette Valley region, further expanding Lochmead’s reach.

Buzz’s stories offer a heartfelt glimpse into the history of Lochmead Farms, showcasing the perseverance and passion that shaped the business into what it is today.

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