History

Gibbs Farms began with the vision of a young Jack Gibbs, who was determined to build a life in the fertile Grace Valley of Idaho. A hardworking man through and through, Jack did whatever it took to make ends meet. He lived by a simple principle: treat people right and honor your word — your word is your bond. Jack married Afton Alsop, and together they raised two children, Sidney and Marcus, passing on a strong work ethic from an early age. 

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​​Jack farmed a variety of crops and kept livestock, but he quickly made

a name for himself in the Hereford cattle business. He was proud of his

registered herd and was always on the lookout for crops that could thrive

in the high-altitude valley. That drive led him to become only the second

potato grower in the region. From his home base in Niter — five miles

south of Grace — Jack farmed across the entire valley. In 1943, he played

a key role in designating the region as the Grace Seed Management Area,

a distinction that still stands.

 

To this day, all potatoes grown here must be certified through the Idaho Crop

Improvement Association, a standard Jack helped establish. His high-quality

seed potatoes gained statewide recognition, and many of his original

customers remain loyal to Gibbs Farms even now.

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Beyond the farm, Jack believed in giving back. He served as a Caribou County Commissioner from 1962 to 1972, contributing to key projects like the construction of the Caribou County Memorial Hospital and the founding of the annual county fair. Jack passed away in 1972, far too soon, but left behind a thriving farm — and a legacy of integrity, leadership, and service.

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At the time of Jack’s passing, his son Marc was studying finance at Utah State University and enrolled in the U.S. Air Force ROTC program. Following Jack’s death, Marc and his wife Bonne made the life-changing decision to return to Niter and carry on the family farm. After receiving a special release from his Air Force commitment and graduating from USU, Marc came home to take the reins of Gibbs Farms.

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Marc and Bonne started a family of their own, welcoming two children: Tori and Josh. Under Marc’s leadership, the farm entered a new era. Like his father, Marc was a driven farmer who loved the land and the community. He took on leadership roles in agriculture, serving on numerous local and state water boards and holding positions within the Idaho Crop Improvement Association. Marc’s passion for public service eventually led him to politics, and in 2008, he was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives — a role he continues to hold today.

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Marc also believed in the importance of shared responsibility. From a young age, he involved his son Josh in the daily operations of the farm. After graduating from Idaho State University, Josh returned to the farm full-time. He and his wife, Jenny, now raise their four children — Harper, Jack, Ivor, and Grey — in the same valley Jack Gibbs once did. Josh and Marc now manage the farm together, allowing Marc time to fulfill his duties as a state representative. Jenny plays a key role as well, running the office and keeping everything organized behind the scenes.

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Much has changed since 1940, but one thing remains the same: Gibbs Farms continues to operate with the same integrity and values that Jack Gibbs instilled from the start. “Your word is your bond” isn’t just a saying here — it’s a legacy we’re proud to carry forward.